Illinoisans can now get documents notarized online
By ALEX ABBEDUTO
Capitol News Illinois
abbeduto@capitolnewsillinois.com
Illinoisans who need a notary public can now access those services online through a new “E-Notary” portal launched by the secretary of state’s office.
This process is one of the latest initiatives of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ ongoing effort to modernize the office and its services.
Notaries are state-appointed officials who administer oaths, certify documents and act as witnesses to document singings for things like affidavits and bills of sale. Until now, notary services could be performed remotely so long as the parties involved were in Illinois and the notary physically signed and sealed the notarized document.
Now, the process can occur fully online through one of 12 notarization service providers listed on the Illinois secretary of state’s website, ilsos.gov. All parties can now participate remotely and notaries are allowed to use electronic signatures and seals. Individuals using e-notary services must have a valid ID and access to a device supporting audio-video communication.
The office is also in the process of moving other functions online, including by creating an electronic lien and title system allowing drivers to manage vehicle titles online instead of through the mail. That system is slated for rollout this summer, according to a “modernization report” published by the secretary of state’s office last week.
Illinoisans can already file incorporation and court of claims documents, access business service and lobbyist databases, search for jobs and locate archived records through the office’s updated website.
Alexi Giannoulias announces updates to his “Skip-the-Line” program in July 2023. That program moved driver services to either an appointment-based system or online. (Capitol News Illinois phot by Andrew Adams)
The office rolled out “Skip-the-Line” and “Do-it-Online” initiatives last year in an effort to unclog DMV services by extending facility hours and online services and allowing Illinoisans to schedule appointments online.
Read more: State driver services facilities to require appointments in more than 40 locations | As online DMV services plagued by no-shows, secretary of state launches changes
More than 1.5 million appointments have been scheduled since the “Skip-the-Line” initiative was rolled out last fall, according to the office’s modernization report. The state has also opened four senior-only facilities in Bridgeview, Calumet Park, Evanston and Westchester.
The office is also going to start rolling out kiosks that would allow Illinoisans to renew their licenses, IDs and vehicle registrations at various community institutions, like libraries and grocery stores.
Giannoulias said they will start with 10 locations – including one on the second floor of the state Capitol – and “hopefully” expand to 150 within a year.
The report also indicates the office is cross-training over 2,000 DMV staff on all offered services to minimize the number of different people a customer might need to speak to during a visit.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Illinois News
Classifieds
Monee Hasn’t Bought the Education Center, Yet
Spread the loveBy Karen Haave The Village of Monee has not purchased the vacant school building on Main Street. Not yet, anyway. The village has, in recent months, scooped up numerous properties needed for beautification or facilities expansion projects, but the Monee Education Center is not one of them. Local residents began asking about the…
Vandalism Didn’t Take the Pillow Out This Time in Manteno
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The jumping pillow on the Square on Second in Manteno opened five years ago, but is feeling its age. The attraction has proven to be popular, and people are missing it, as it is closed for repairs for an undetermined amount of time. Superintendent of Public Works Jim Hanley gave…
Lightways Hospice/Serious Illness Care Helps Community Understand Advance Care Planning
Spread the loveGrant project funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH). Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care will join a nationwide project and host a community game event at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital Wallin Conference Center, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 24, to engage communities in important conversations about medical decision making. The…
KPL Presents ‘Taste of Juneteenth Celebration’
Spread the loveThe Kankakee Public Library, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, will host a Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, which will be held throughout the library. It is free and open to the public, as well as inclusive for all ages. Each floor will…
Another Eagle Scout Soars
Spread the loveBy Karen Haave An aspiring Monee Eagle Scout’s Community Service Project honors American military veterans, with an eye on protecting the environment. Unveiled during the Doss-Malone American Legion Post 1200’s annual Memorial Day program, Joshua Nelson’s project was to create two benches for the newly landscaped site. The benches are made from recycled…
Beecher Police Blotter: May 5 – 29
Spread the loveDisclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely accusations, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On May 5, Diego Garcia, 32, of Chicago, was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, possession of adult use cannabis in a…
This Week at the Farmers Markets
Spread the loveThis week at the Local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, June 18, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in conjunction with Classic Car…
Will County Hosts Regional First Responder Training, Exercise
Spread the loveThe Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) hosted a hands-on training for first responders, in Monee, aimed at bringing together police, fire, and dispatch agencies to coordinate effectively on various active threat incidents. “These trainings are critical to get all agencies on the same page and to be prepared for a wide variety…
Illinois ESGR Banquet Honors Employers Supporting National Guard/Reserve Employees
Spread the loveBrig. Gen. Dan McDonough, Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, was the keynote speaker for the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Awards Banquet, May 17, at the Marriott in Normal. The banquet honored employers throughout the state who…
Local Soldier Participates in Illinois National Guard Best Warrior Competition
Spread the lovePfc. Nathan Johnson, of Arlington Heights, was named the Illinois Army National Guard’s “Soldier of the Year,” and Sgt. Terry Lair, of Pekin, was named the “Noncommissioned Officer of the Year” after a grueling three-day competition at Sparta Training Area in Sparta, which pitted the top placers from each of the Illinois Army…
Swing Back Stronger with Riverside’s New Titleist Performance Institute Golf Rehabilitation Program
Spread the loveRiverside is excited to launch its new Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf rehabilitation program, geared toward golf enthusiasts looking to elevate their game. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this program to our community,” said TPI-certified physical therapist Marcus Rinaldi, DPT. Our goal is to provide golfers with the specialized care…
Blanchette, Zawitaj Manteno Woman’s Club Scholarship Recipients
Spread the loveThe Manteno Woman’s Club held their monthly luncheon meeting on Wednesday, May 23, at Manteno Sportsman’s Club. Honored guests, who also addressed the group, were recipients of the club’s $1,000 scholarships for this year – Addison Blanchette and Danielle Zawitaj. The young women are 2024 graduates of Manteno High School, and each will…
Riverside Launches Weigh to Healthy Living Program
Spread the loveProgram helps patients engage in healthy lifestyle changes, improve overall health. Riverside Healthcare’s Endocrinology and Diabetes Wellness Center has launched the Weigh to Healthy Living Program, a six-month weight management program that addresses nutrition, exercise, behavior, and medical intervention. “The Weigh to Healthy Living Program is a fantastic new tool to help members…
Will County Health Department Honors National Naloxone Awareness Day
Spread the loveThe Will County Health Department reminds residents of the availability of Naloxone, a lifesaving, opioid overdose reversing medication in honor of National Naloxone Awareness Day on June 6. “Naloxone saves lives,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, program coordinator for Substance Use Initiatives at the Will County Health Department. “When an overdose occurs, giving someone…
Ride for Life Successful, Despite Weather
Spread the loveDespite the rain on Saturday, June 1, the Ride for Life Cancer Run in Manteno went on as planned for its 23rd year. Over the years, the Kankakee County group has raised approximately $1 million for a most worthy cause during its annual event. Spread the love
