Posted by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/5/10 9:25pm
Msg #339965

IL Notary Law is just plain ridiculous!

...because I'm bored to death and can't sleep, I figured a quick way to fall asleep is to start reading something boring...so I started re-reading our state's newly revised notary manual and noticed in some sections, where the language was confusing and not clear, that these are pretty much straight forward, BUT now instead of being unclear, some sections are contradictory, for example:

"Fees for a notary public, agency, or any other person who is not an attorney or an accredited representative filling out immigration forms shall be limited to the following:

(1) $10 per form completion;
(2) $10 per page for the translation of a non-English language into English
where such translation is required for immigration forms;
(3) $1 for notarizing;
(4) $3 to execute any procedures necessary to obtain a document required
to complete immigration forms; and
(5) A maximum of $75 for one complete application."

I'm like great, now I can charge the above fees and don't have to worry about violating any laws as it is clearer now, until, I get towards the last Questions/FAQ's section wherein it states:

Can a notary give advice on immigration or fill out immigration forms?

No. According to federal law, no person, unless an attorney, shall fill out legalization
forms or applications related to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 unless
he or she has been authorized to do so by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
or the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Huh? WTH?? Did I miss something here? And PLEASE don't tell me to call my SOS, as if I don't know this already, but am hesistant 'cause I swear half if not most of the staff would not be able to clear this up, as they should.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 6/5/10 9:29pm
Msg #339966

If you do call your SOS make sure to call them at least three times, and take the most given answer, - if you can get more than one answer the same

Reply by BossLadyMD on 6/5/10 9:35pm
Msg #339969

and make the 3 calls over 3 separate days, skipping a day :) n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/5/10 9:35pm
Msg #339970

he he...maybe I'll rub my hand on my head and tummy...:) n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 6/6/10 4:41am
Msg #339982

You have to pat your head while rubbing your tummy...LOL n/m

Reply by Pat/IL on 6/5/10 10:29pm
Msg #339972

"...unless he or she has been authorized to do so by the Immigration and Naturalization Service or the Board of Immigration Appeals."

I quoted the above because it seems there might be some other than lawyers who can assist with the immigration papers. Don't know for sure, just thought it might help.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 6/6/10 12:32am
Msg #339978

That was my thought, too. In fact, I had copied some of the same sentence to add to my post, but no need to repeat it. Apparently, the fees would apply to those who ARE authorized to provide those services.

[That's the problem with reading and writing posts when we should -- or are trying -- to be going to sleep! This is the voice of personal experience here... ]

Reply by Notarysigner on 6/6/10 9:35am
Msg #339989

Cari it's easy, (5) $75.00 maximum

$10.00 form
$60.00 for six pages
$ 3.00 execution one procedure
$ 2.00 two notarization.

snooze, cough, snore.....

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/6/10 10:13am
Msg #339991

i'm fully awake and its still not clear cut....

our handbook, is full of ....contradictions and its perhaps one of the most ridiculous things I've read. But I'm going to call the SOS on Monday for ..um....'clarity'.

Everyone enjoy your Sunday! I know I will, as we FINALLY got some SUNSHINE and great weather!

Reply by Notarysigner on 6/6/10 10:58am
Msg #339993

Re: i'm fully awake and its still not clear cut....

Okay...please let us know . I'm afraid to read our handbook for any other reason then to find a particular answer.....I think there's a saying...that ends,"......baffle theM with BS".

It's pretty nice here too!

Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/6/10 4:21pm
Msg #340007

I read it the way a couple of others here have read it - that the allowable charges apply IF you authorized to do this kind of work by INS. It would have been a lot clearer if they put that part together with the part about the fees, but it looks more like a clarification than a contradiction.