Professional Notary Services

What Is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a professional licensed by the state to witness the signing of documents and administer oaths. It is the notary public’s responsibility to ensure that the document signer is who they say they are and that they understand the documents they are signing.

Notary public services are often used for legal documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, deeds, and contracts. Notarization ensures your documents are legally binding and authentic.

The Notary Service Process at WSCE

The process for notarizing at WSCE is simple. Our friendly staff will help you through the entire process, from start to finish.

1. Bring the document you need notarized to one of our WSCE locations.
2. Make sure your document is filled out completely EXCEPT for your signature. Leave this blank.
3. Show our staff a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
4. Pay the notary fee.
5. Our notary public will “witness” as you sign the document.
6. The notary public will sign and stamp the document, making it legally binding.

That’s it! The notary process is now complete.

When Do I Need a Notary Public?

You might need a notary public for several reasons. Here are some common examples:

• Signing a legal document, such as a power of attorney or contract
• Swearing an affidavit
• Administering an oath, such as for a deposition, witness testimony, or sworn statement
• Being a witness to a legal document
• Certifying a copy of a document

If you are unsure whether or not you need a notary public, visit your nearest WSCE. Our friendly staff is always eager to answer any questions you may have.

What Documents Do I Need to Bring For Notarization?

Here’s a quick list of what you need to bring to a notary public:

• Document: Ensure the document is fully completed except for your signature.
• ID: Check that your ID is current and has a valid government-issued photo.
• Witnesses: Some documents may require witnesses with their own identification.
• Payment: Be prepared to pay the notary fee by cash, debit, or credit card.

Why Choose WSCE For Notary Services?

There are many reasons to choose WSCE for notary services. Here are just a few:

• We’re one of the largest providers of financial and document services in the state of Illinois
• We’ve been in business for 80 years and have built a reputation for providing superior customer service
• 23 convenient locations that offer notary services
• Able to notarize almost any type of document
• Locations all over the Chicago area, so finding a WSCE near you is easy
• Convenient hours so you can get your notarization done on your time