8. This form must be signed in the presence of a notary public. Notary publics are available at most banks and currency exchanges for a minimal fee.The Cook County Clerk's office is the official record keeper for marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships in Chicago and suburban Cook County. The following are basic rules for proper and safe notarization: 1) Keep your notary seal in a safe place; 2) Do not notarize a signature unless the signer. Usually, the Notary is asked to write the name of the county and state in the appropriate blanks. In the state of Illinois, a notary public cannot authenticate original documents or photocopies of them. An attorney must do this; it is called "Certification. View age and identification requirements, fee information, and how to apply for a license or copies of a license. Administering an oath or affirmation is an important role of a Notary. Understand when and how to perform both types of declarations using the NNA's guide.