Frequently Asked Questions

What is a notary public?
A notary public is a state-authorized official who acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, administers oaths, and helps deter fraud by verifying the identity of the parties involved.

Why do I need a document notarized?
Notarization ensures the authenticity of signatures, confirms the document was signed willingly, and helps prevent fraud. It is often required for legal, financial, or real estate transactions.

What types of documents do you notarize?
We notarize property transactions, minors travel consent forms, power of attorney papers, affidavits and many more! Contact us to confirm whether we can notarize your specific document.

What do I need to bring to my notary appointment?

The document(s) you need notarized (unsigned).

A valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state ID).

Any required witnesses (if applicable).

Can you provide witnesses for my notarization?
Currently we are unable to offer this service. Please stay tuned for future development.

Do you offer mobile notary services?
Yes, we can travel to your location for your convenience. We charge a $50 mobile fee within a 20 mile radius of Niles, Illinois. We also require the location to be ADA accessible.

Are you available outside normal business hours?
We offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your schedule. Please contact us to set up an appointment.

How much do you charge for notary services?
Our fees are based on state regulations, plus any additional travel fees for mobile services. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Do you notarize documents for out-of-state use?
We can notarize documents from Illinois as long as they comply with the originating states laws. If you have more specific questions regarding this matter, please contact us.

Do you notarize electronic documents?
Yes, we offer RON (Remote Online Notary) at this time.

Can you notarize a will or trust?
Yes, we can notarize wills and trusts. However, we recommend consulting an attorney to ensure your documents meet all legal requirements.

Can you notarize immigration documents?
We can notarize certain immigration documents, but we cannot provide legal advice or complete forms. Please consult an attorney or immigration specialist for guidance.

Can you notarize documents in a foreign language?
Yes, we can notarize documents in a foreign language as long as the signer understands the content and we can communicate in English without assistance.

Can you help me draft or prepare legal documents?
No, as notaries, we are not authorized to provide legal advice or prepare legal documents. Please consult an attorney for assistance.

What if I don’t have a valid photo ID?
If you do not have a valid ID, you may need credible witnesses who can vouch for your identity. The witness must provide a valid ID. Two witnesses are required. Contact us for assistance with this process.

Can you notarize for someone who is elderly or disabled?
Yes, we can assist elderly or disabled clients. If mobility is an issue, we offer mobile notary services for their convenience.

Can you notarize for someone who doesn’t speak English?
We can notarize for non-English speakers as long as we can communicate directly with the signer. A translator is not permitted during the notarization process.

What if the signer is unable to sign due to a physical disability?
We can accommodate signers with physical disabilities by using alternative signature methods, such as a signature by mark or writing aids. Contact us for more details.

How long does a notarization appointment take?
Most notarization's take about 15-20 minutes, but more complex documents may take longer. Let us know in advance if you have multiple documents.

What is the difference between a notary acknowledgment and a jurat?

An acknowledgment verifies that the signer willingly signed the document.

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true per the penalty of perjury.

Is notarization valid internationally?
Yes, but you may need an apostille or additional authentication for the document to be accepted in a foreign country. Contact us for guidance.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes, a notary may refuse to notarize if the signer lacks proper identification, is unwilling to sign, appears coerced, or does not understand the document.

How do I contact you to schedule an appointment?
You can contact us by calling 224-250-0394, emailing us at mary@bouchardnotary.com, or check us out on Facebook to book an appointment. We also offer immediate service. Please call to discuss availability.