Starting August 1, 2024, Illinois residents applying for a Notary Public commission must use the Secretary of State’s online application. To become a Notary in Illinois, you must complete the following steps:
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Read the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and Illinois Notary laws.
- Take a Notary training class and pass the exam.
- Complete the application.
- Take your oath of office.
- Buy a $5,000* surety bond.
- Submit your application with a copy of your ID and the $15 application fee.
- Receive your commission from the state.
- Buy your Notary seal, journal and other supplies.
*The application form includes a yes-or-no question about your intention to provide remote notarization services. If you choose yes, the bond amount is $30,000.
About the Illinois Notary Process
The term of an Illinois Notary Public commission is four years, after which you’ll need to renew to continue notarizing documents.
Cost to Become an Illinois Notary
The cost to become an IL Notary ranges between $178 and $203 based on the education provider you choose for the Notary class and companies from which you purchase the surety bond, seal and journal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Notary training course |
$59 |
| $5,000 surety bond |
$44 |
| Application fee |
$15 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$178 - $203 |
Commission Processing Time
It can take five to eight weeks for the state to issue your Notary commission.
Illinois Notary Public Requirements
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Notary in the Prairie State? Read on below.
Eligibility
There are several qualifications for a person to become an Illinois Notary. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of or lawful permanent resident in the U.S.
- Live or work in Illinois for a minimum of 30 days prior to applying
- Be able to read and write in English
- Not be convicted of a felony
- Not have a previous Notary commission revoked
You must also read the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and Illinois Notary laws.
Application
Complete the top portion of the application to become an Illinois Notary. Visit a Notary and take your oath of office. Photocopy the front and back of your driver's license or state ID card to submit along with your application form.
Starting August 1, 2024, use the Secretary of State's website to submit your application online.
Notary Training
The Secretary of State requires applicants to take a three-hour Notary training course and submit the proof of completion certificate with their application.
Exam
In addition to the Notary training class, you must pass a 50-question exam with a score of at least 85%.
Notary Supplies
In Illinois, Notaries are required to use a Notary seal stamp and journal.
The seal should be in a rectangular form no larger than 1" in height by 2.5" in length with a serrated or milled-edge border. The following information should be within the border:
- The words "Official Seal"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public, State of Illinois"
- The words "Commission No. _________(your number)"
- The words "My Commission Expires _______ (date)"
A Notary journal or record book is required. It's recommended as a best practice to record all notarizations in your journal. The journal may be paper or electronic, and more than one journal may be used.
Surety Bond
Notaries in Illinois are required by law to purchase a $5,000 four-year surety bond from a company qualified to write bonds in the state. The surety company must complete the bond section of your Notary application.
If you’re interested in performing remote notarizations, you’ll need to purchase a $30,000 four-year surety bond.
Illinois Notary Public FAQs
Below, we answer the most common questions about being an Illinois Notary Public.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Illinois Secretary of State, located in Springfield, IL, issues Notary Public commissions.
Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
Where can I get additional training on what IL Notaries do?
You can find several Notary Public training options online, including the NNA's Notary Essentials course. Online training can be convenient and can do an excellent job of preparing you for your new responsibilities.
It's important to thoroughly review any company you plan to work with, as some have courses developed by on-staff Notary experts and some simply consist of information pulled from other, more authoritative, sources.
How can I protect myself?
Since a surety bond does not protect the Notary, many Notaries choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in Illinois.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the state of Illinois.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize documents for anyone who presents acceptable identification, excluding yourself. While Illinois law doesn't specifically prohibit notarizing for family members, you may not notarize:
- Documents you are named in or would benefit from
- For someone you know is adjudged mentally ill or for a blind person unless you read the document to them
- For people who don't understand English unless the document being notarized is translated into a language they do understand
What fees can Illinois Notaries charge per notarization?
Illinois sets the maximum fee Notaries may charge per notarial act at $5.
What happens if I move or change my name?
If you change your name or email address or if you move to a new place within the same county, complete the Notary Public Change of Address or Employer form and submit it to the Secretary of State within 30 days.
If you change the county in which you reside, you'll need to apply for a new commission to continue serving as a Notary Public.
What are the most common errors made by Notaries?
Failing to properly identify a person, failing to administer an oath or affirmation, and failing to affix the Notary seal are the most common oversights made by both new and experienced Notaries.
How do I renew my Notary commission in Illinois?
Prior to your commission expiration date, the state will mail you a notice with a new application and bond form. You must maintain your surety bond and buy a new Notary seal with your updated commission expiration date.
It's strongly recommended that you begin the renewal process 30 to 60 days ahead of time to avoid gaps in your Notary Public commission.
How can I become an electronic Notary?
You'll need to buy a $25,000 surety bond, take the required course, pass an exam, and purchase your digital Notary supplies like your eSeal and digital certificate.
Notaries may buy a single bond in the amount of $30,000 to satisfy the $5,000 bond requirement for traditional notarizations and the $25,000 bond requirement for electronic notarizations.
The Secretary of State's Office began processing Electronic Notary Public applications on January 1, 2024.
What do I need to know about remote notarization in Illinois?
Illinois Notaries with an active commission may perform remote notarization on paper documents. Read our guide about remote notarization in Illinois for detailed information.
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Last updated: Jul 2, 2024