Illinois Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Illinois is a certificate completed by an IL-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Illinois law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Illinois notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Illinois notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all IL notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Illinois Acknowledgment Wording
Illinois law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Illinois county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Illinois Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Illinois's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public in and for said County, in the State aforesaid, personally appeared _______________, known to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she/they signed, sealed, and delivered the said instrument as his/her/their free and voluntary act, for the uses and purposes therein set forth.
Given under my hand and notarial seal this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally appeared _______________, to me personally known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say that he/she is the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument is the corporate seal of said entity and that said instrument was signed and sealed on behalf of said entity, and said person acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and deed of said entity.
Given under my hand and notarial seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, a Notary Public in and for said County, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, known to me to be the same persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they signed, sealed, and delivered the said instrument as their free and voluntary act.
Given under my hand and notarial seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Illinois Notary Requirements
Illinois has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Illinois notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $5,000 surety bond is required for Illinois notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Illinois
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Illinois
- Seal/Stamp: Illinois notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Illinois
Illinois does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Illinois must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by IL law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Illinois Notary Fees
Illinois regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Illinois.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Illinois Identification Requirements
Illinois notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Illinois.
Sample Illinois Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Illinois-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact IL statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Illinois
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Illinois Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Illinois, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Illinois Resources
Use these official resources to verify Illinois notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Illinois Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Illinois, or that require IL notarization.
Illinois Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Illinois Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Illinois Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Illinois Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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