Rule 16.Certification Instead of Notarization

Article I. General Rules · Last amended 2018 · Last verified July 20, 2026

In one sentenceRule 16 lets anyone file a sworn affidavit using a signed certification under the Code of Civil Procedure instead of getting it notarized.

Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 16

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Any affidavit filed under oath in any court of this State may be made by certification set forth in section 1-109 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/1-109).

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 16 is short but useful: it lets a person submit an affidavit in any Illinois court using the certification procedure in section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure, rather than tracking down a notary. The certification carries the same legal weight as a notarized oath, backed by the penalty for making a false statement under oath.

This option shows up throughout the rules wherever a filer needs to swear to facts, from a certificate of service to a certification supporting an exemption from electronic filing, so Rule 16 quietly removes a practical barrier for anyone filing without a lawyer or without easy access to a notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary to file an affidavit in Illinois court?

No. Rule 16 lets you use a certification under section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure instead of notarization.

What happens if I lie in a certification instead of a notarized affidavit?

The certification is made under penalty of perjury, so a false statement carries the same legal consequences as lying in a notarized affidavit.

Does Rule 16 apply to every Illinois court?

Yes, it applies to affidavits filed under oath in any court of the state.

Is a certification faster than getting something notarized?

Generally yes, since it removes the step of finding and appearing before a notary public.

Where else does Illinois law rely on section 1-109 certification?

Several other rules, including Rule 9, Rule 12, and Rule 137, reference section 1-109 certification for filings and proof of service.

Amendment History

Adopted June 26, 2018, eff. July 1, 2018.

Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: certification instead of notarized affidavitsection 1-109 certificationaffidavit without notary illinoissworn statement court filingperjury certification form