Illinois residents applying for a Notary Public commission must use the Secretary of State’s online application. More information is available on the Secretary of State’s website.
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 an approved Notary study course and pass the exam.
- Buy a $5,000* surety bond.
- Complete the Notary Public Application on the Secretary of State website.
- Receive your commission from the state.
- Buy your Notary seal, journal and other supplies.
*A $30,000 bond is required if you will provide remote notarization services.
About the Illinois Notary Process
The term of an Illinois Notary Public commission is four years for Illinois residents, after which you’ll need to renew to continue notarizing documents.
Non-residents from Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin who have worked or maintained a business in Illinois for at least 30 days may apply for a one-year commission.
Cost to Become an Illinois Notary
The cost to become an IL Notary ranges between $178 and $203, depending on the education provider you choose for the Notary class and the 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.
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%.
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 form.
If you’re interested in performing remote notarizations by means of audio-video communication or if you will notarize electronic documents for remotely located signers, you’ll need to purchase a $30,000 four-year surety bond.
Application
Illinois residents applying for a commission as a Notary Public must apply using the Secretary of State’s online application.
Upload a copy of your course certificate of completion and completed and signed Notary Public Bond form to your online application. Pay the $15 application fee. If you're applying simultaneously as a Notary Public and electronic Notary, the application fee is $40.
Non-resident applicants and those who qualify for a hardship exemption must complete a paper application and submit it to the Secretary of State’s office.
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 in which you must record all notarial acts performed. The journal may be paper or electronic, and more than one journal may be used.
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 Index Department
111 E. Monroe Street
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 while others simply pull information 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 address to a new place within the same county or if your employer changes, complete the Notary Public Change of Address or Employer form and submit it to the Secretary of State within 30 days.
If you change your name or 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?
The Secretary of State’s office will notify you to renew approximately 60 days before your commission expires. To renew your Illinois Notary Public commission, follow the same steps as if you’re applying for the first time.
Once you receive your new commission, buy a Notary seal with your new commission expiration date.
Starting on January 1, 2025, the following individuals are exempt from taking the course and exam as part of the renewal process: Licensed attorneys, employees of licensed attorneys, judges and court employees.
Instead of uploading their proof of course completion in the online application, they will need to upload this exemption form.
How can I become an electronic Notary?
You may apply simultaneously as a Notary Public and electronic Notary Public, or you may add electronic Notary to an existing Notary Public commission. You’ll need to purchase an eSeal and digital certificate before notarizing electronic documents.
What do I need to know about remote notarization in Illinois?
An Illinois Notary with an active commission may perform remote notarization on paper documents. A Notary who is also an electronic Notary may notarize electronic documents remotely.
Any Illinois Notary who notarizes for remotely located signers must have a $30,000 bond. Read our guide about remote notarization in Illinois for detailed information.
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Last updated: Dec 20, 2024