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What We Do

Professional Notary Services

What does a Notary do?

A notary public is an official commissioned by the state to serve the public as an impartial witness during notarial acts. My sole duty is to screen the signers of important documents for their true identity (via unexpired state or federal ID), their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the document's contents.​​​ Signers may also be asked to swear by oath (to a deity/god) or affirmation (on one's honor without mention of a deity/god) during their notarization.​ Learn about common notarial acts here.

 

​​What does a Notary Not do?

Notaries are not attorneys and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. Doing such is the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL), and therefore, illegal. Contact the agency requesting the notarization or your attorney if you have any questions concerning your forms. The law does not allow notaries to make any suggestions for you. As your notary, I may not and will not:​

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  • Illegally practice law — choose your notarization method, explain the contents of your documents, draft or provide legal documents, help you fill out your documents

  • Notarize a form when — the signer is not physically present, has no valid ID, is not alert, cannot communicate, appears to be forced into signing by coercion or under duress

  • Notarize prohibited documents — previously signed forms, visa and immigration forms, vital records including birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates, citizenship or naturalization certificates, I-9 verification forms

FAQs

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is a remote online notary?

A remote online notary (RON) is a commissioned notary public who can notarize documents online using secure audio-video technology. The process is legal, safe, and fully remote — no in-person meeting is required.

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2.  Is online notarization legal in Illinois?

Yes, remote online notarization is legal in Illinois. I am fully commissioned and authorized to perform online notarizations that are legally valid and accepted nationwide in most cases — always check the receiving party's requirements.

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3.  What types of documents can you notarize?

I can notarize many common documents, including:

  • Affidavits

  • Permission slips

  • School or travel forms

  • Sworn statements

  • General acknowledgments and jurats

Note: I do not currently handle real estate closings or estate planning documents.

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4.  What is your "Five-Step Confirmation Notary Process?"

  1. Confirm your notary needs.

  2. Confirm that all signers and witnesses will be physically present at the time of notarization.

  3. Confirm that all signers and witnesses have current, unexpired, government-issued identification with their photo and signature.

  4. Confirm that all signers and witnesses are aware of what is being signed.

  5. Confirm a convenient time, date, and fee.

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5.  What do I need for an online notarization?

To get started, you’ll need:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

  • A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or phone)

  • A stable internet connection

  • Your completed documents ready to be uploaded

Note: All signatures must be applied in the presence of your notary when prompted to do so unless you are requesting an Acknowledgement.

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6.  How does it work?

All notarizations are completed through BlueNotary, a secure and legally compliant remote notarization platform. It’s easy to use and works right from your browser — no app download required. Your session is recorded and encrypted and meets all state and federal RON requirements​. Here's how it works:

  1. Upload your document

  2. Verify your ID

  3. Join a live video session

  4. Sign digitally

  5. Download your notarized document

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7.  How long does the process take?

Most appointments take 10–15 minutes. You’ll join a secure video call, verify your identity, and then sign your document digitally.

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8.  How do I schedule an appointment?

Click here to request an appointment or contact me directly via email or phone. I offer flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends.

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9.  How much does it cost?

Fees vary depending on your document type and the number of notarial acts. I’ll provide a clear quote upfront — no hidden fees.

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10. What if I don't have a suitable device or internet access?

​If you are in the Maryville, Illinois area, you may request an appointment to meet at my office for your notarization. Currently, I do not provide mobile notarization services.

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