Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Gold Coast Chicago Notary Services FAQ page. We provide professional mobile notary and expert apostille services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to call or text (224) 935-3099.
Notary Services
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is an official appointed by the Illinois Secretary of State to serve as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.
What types of documents do you notarize?
Gold Coast Notary Services can notarize many types of documents including:
- Real estate documents (deeds, loan documents, closing papers)
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Wills and trusts
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Business contracts
- Titles/Bill of Sale
- FOID Application
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Medical consent forms
- Divorce and family law documents
- Towed Car Notary
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
For a successful notarization, you must provide:
- The Document: The complete document you need notarized (do not sign it before we arrive).
- Valid Identification: A current, government-issued photo ID. Examples include a State Driver’s License, State ID Card, or a U.S. Passport.
- The Signer: The person signing the document must be physically present and of sound mind.
Can you notarize documents in a hospital or nursing home?
Yes. Gold Coast Notary Services specializes in mobile visits to hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes throughout the Chicago area. We ensure a patient and professional experience for seniors and those with limited mobility.
Does Illinois allow Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Yes, Illinois law now allows for Remote Online Notarization. However, Gold Coast Chicago Notary services does not offer Remote or Online Notarization services.
What are your fees?
At Gold Coast Chicago Notary Services, our mobile appointments are billed as complete all-inclusive packages that cover travel, scheduling convenience, document verification, and the notarization service itself.
Mobile notary pricing starts at $45 and scales based on appointment urgency, time of day, and total travel distance.
For document authentication, Illinois State Apostille services start at $85 and Federal Apostille services start at $125.
Because total cost varies depending on document type, package size, location, and turnaround time, we provide clear upfront quotes during booking.
Apostille Services
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Illinois Secretary of State that authenticates the seal and signature of the Notary Public on a document, so that the document can be recognized in foreign countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention.
Which documents commonly require an Apostille?
Common documents include:
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
- Power of Attorney for international use
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas (e.g., from UIC, UChicago, or Loyola)
- Articles of Incorporation or Business Bylaws
- FBI Background Checks (Note: These require Federal/U.S. Dept of State authentication)
How long does the Apostille process take in Illinois?
Standard processing through the Illinois Secretary of State typically takes 5–10 business days. We offer Expedited Courier Services to the Chicago or Springfield offices to significantly speed up this process for urgent international matters.
Can you handle the entire process for me?
Absolutely. Most of our clients prefer our “Full-Service” package. We will come to you to notarize your documents, handle the state submission and fees, and hand-deliver or overnight the final Apostilled documents back to you.
General Information
Where do you provide services?
We primarily serve the Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North, Loop, and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. We also travel throughout Cook County and surrounding suburbs upon request.
What forms of payment do you accept?
For your convenience, we accept all major Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Zelle, Apple Pay, and cash.
Are you attorneys?
Disclaimer: We are Notaries Public and Apostille Agents. We are NOT attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. If you have questions about the content of your legal documents, please consult with an attorney.