How to become a notary in Illinois

Get everything you need with a full Illinois Notary Package.

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.

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.

It can take five to eight weeks for the state to issue your Notary commission.

Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Notary in the Prairie State? Read on below.

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.

The Secretary of State requires applicants to take a three-hour Notary training course and submit the proof of completion certificate with their application.

In addition to the Notary training class, you must pass a 50-question exam with a score of at least 85%.

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.

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.

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.

Below, we answer the most common questions about being an Illinois Notary Public.

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Last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Get everything you need with a full Illinois Notary Package.