Frequently asked questions

Illinois caps the notary fee at $5 per notarized signature. A mobile notary also charges a travel and service fee for coming to you, which must be agreed in advance and shown separately on an itemized receipt. My visits start at $75 for a local home visit.

A current government-issued photo ID for every signer, and the complete document with the signature lines left blank.

No. A notary public in Illinois can't give legal advice or help choose what goes in a legal document. I verify identity, witness the signing and complete the notarial certificate.

Same-day visits are common, often within one to two hours in the southwest suburbs. Call (708) 787-8868 for the soonest time.

Not at this time. Every notarization I do is in person, with the signer in front of me.

Chicago and the suburbs from my base in Oak Lawn: the southwest suburbs, the west suburbs, Will and DuPage counties, and north to O'Hare. Longer trips, such as DeKalb, are by arrangement.

Usually, yes. I take hospital calls 7 days a week until 10 p.m. Call with the hospital name and room, and I'll tell you how soon I can be there.

Any hospital in my service area, including Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, OSF Little Company of Mary in Evergreen Park, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center and the downtown Chicago hospitals.

Call me before booking. Whether the document can still be signed depends on the document and the signer's condition, and an attorney may need to weigh in.

Jail visits start at $150 for travel and service, plus $5 per notarized signature, which is the Illinois maximum for the notarial act itself. You'll get an itemized receipt.

As soon as you have the document. Facility approvals and paper inspection can take a few days, so earlier is better.

No. I'm a notary public, not an attorney, so I can't tell you what to sign or how to fill it out. Questions about the document go to a lawyer.

Yes, though I'll speak with the signer directly. If anyone seems to be pressuring the signer, I won't go ahead.

I can notarize only if the signer understands what they're signing at the time. If you're unsure, ask their doctor or attorney before booking.

No. Many forms are simply signed at the funeral home. A notary is needed when the funeral home or the document asks for one; your funeral director will tell you which.

Yes. I'll come wherever the family is most comfortable.

I can't. Choosing what goes in the document is legal advice, which a notary can't give. Free Illinois forms and instructions are available from Illinois Legal Aid Online, or ask an attorney.

Most estate signings take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the number of documents and signers.

I'll tell you what each document is called and where to sign, but questions about rates, terms or fees go to your lender or title officer.

Yes, anywhere private enough for you to review the documents.

Yes, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the same as every other day.

Call anyway. I can't promise a late visit, but when I can do it, I will, at the after-hours rate.

A current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport, for each signer.

Yes, as long as it's quiet enough to review the documents.