How to Become a Notary in Illinois 2026: Complete IL Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Illinois

Illinois does not require a traditional exam to become a notary public. However, since January 1, 2024, all new and renewing notaries must complete a 3-hour education course and pass an examination. Applications are processed through the Illinois Secretary of State.

Illinois Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become an Illinois Notary?

• No separate exam - Course includes examination component
• Large market - Third most populous state with high demand
• RON authorized - Remote Online Notarization available
• Reasonable fees - Up to $5 per traditional act, $25 for electronic/RON
• 4-year commission - Long term reduces renewal frequency
• Electronic notary option - Expand your services with e-notarization

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Step-by-Step: How to Become an Illinois Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become an Illinois notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be a resident of Illinois OR have a principal place of work/business in Illinois
• Be able to read and write English
• Have not had a notary commission revoked or suspended during the past 10 years

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Education Course

Effective January 1, 2024, all notary applicants must complete an approved course:

Course Requirements:

• 3-hour state-approved notary course
• Pass the examination at the end of the course
• Course must be completed before submitting your application

Course Content Includes:

• Illinois Notary Public Act provisions
• Duties and responsibilities of a notary public
• Proper notarial procedures
• Journal and record-keeping requirements
• Avoiding unauthorized practice of law

Exemptions (as of January 1, 2025):

• Licensed attorneys in Illinois
• Judges
• Employees of licensed attorneys or judges
• Must provide signed statement confirming status and understanding of the Illinois Notary Public Act

Step 3: Obtain Your Surety Bond

Before submitting your application, obtain the appropriate surety bond:

Traditional Notary Only:

• Bond Amount: $5,000
• Bond Term: 4 years
• Typical Cost: $20-$50

Traditional + Electronic/Remote Notary:

• Bond Amount: $25,000 (if adding to existing $5,000 bond) or $30,000 (new combined bond)
• Bond Term: 4 years
• Typical Cost: $55-$100

The bond protects the public from potential financial loss due to improper notarial conduct.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Apply through the Illinois Secretary of State:

1. Complete the Notary Public Application
2. Include your education course completion certificate
3. Include your original surety bond
4. Pay the appropriate filing fee

Filing Fees:

• Notary Public only: $15
• Notary Public + Electronic Notary Public: $40
• Adding Electronic Notary (already commissioned): $25

Submit to: Illinois Secretary of State Index Department 111 E. Monroe Street Springfield, IL 62756

Step 5: Receive Your Commission

Once approved:

• You'll receive your Commission Certificate
• Your commission is valid for 4 years (residents) or 1 year (non-residents)
• You may begin notarizing after obtaining supplies

Step 6: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Stamp (Required):

• Format: Rectangular rubber stamp only
• Maximum Size: 1" x 2.5"
• Border: Serrated or milled edge
• Ink Color: Black ink only
• Cost: $20-$50

Required Stamp Information:

• "Official Seal"
• Your name as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Illinois"
• "Commission No. [your number]"
• "My commission expires [full date]"

Notary Journal (Required):

• Required since June 5, 2023
• Paper or electronic format permitted
• Must record all notarial acts
• Cost: $15-$40

Illinois Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• You may charge less than the maximum or waive fees entirely
• Must disclose fees before performing the notarial act
• Electronic notaries may charge reasonable fees for copies of journal entries or recordings
• Effective January 1, 2026: No fee for notarizing Illinois SOS Homeless Status Certification forms

Illinois-Specific Requirements

Stamp Requirements

Your Illinois notary stamp must meet strict specifications:

Format:

• Rectangular rubber stamp only (no embossers for primary seal)
• Maximum size: 1" x 2.5"
• Serrated or milled-edge border
• Black ink only

Required Information:

• "Official Seal"
• Your name exactly as commissioned
• "Notary Public"
• "State of Illinois"
• "Commission No. [number]"
• "My commission expires [full date, e.g., January 1, 2030]"

Placement:

• Near your signature
• Must not obscure any writing
• Must produce a legible imprint

Journal Requirements (Mandatory)

Illinois requires all notaries to maintain a journal since June 5, 2023:

Format Options:

• Paper journal (bound book)
• Electronic journal
• Multiple journals permitted

Required Journal Information:

• Notary's name, commission number, and expiration date
• Office address
• Disposition statement
• Abbreviation key (if used)
• Notary's signature

For Each Notarial Act:

• Date and time of the act
• Type of notarial act performed
• Type of document notarized
• Signer's name and address
• Method of identification used
• Fee charged (if any)
• Signer's signature (for certain acts)

Security Requirements:

• Keep journal secure at all times
• Notify SOS Index Department within 10 business days if journal is lost, stolen, or compromised

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your official stamp impression (black ink)
• Your signature
• The date of the notarial act
• Proper notarial wording for the act type

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Illinois

Illinois authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Electronic Notarization.

Becoming an Illinois Electronic/Remote Notary

To perform electronic and remote notarizations:

1. Hold a valid Illinois notary commission in good standing
2. Complete additional training for electronic notarization
3. Obtain the higher bond:
   • $25,000 additional bond (if adding to existing commission)
   • $30,000 combined bond (for new applicants)
4. Pay the additional fee: $25 (adding) or $40 (combined application)
5. Select an approved RON platform

RON Technology Requirements

Electronic notarization platforms must:

• Provide continuous audio-visual communication
• Support identity verification (credential analysis + KBA)
• Record the entire notarial session
• Create tamper-evident electronic records
• Maintain compliant electronic journals

Electronic Journal Requirements

Electronic notaries must maintain an electronic journal that:

• Records audio-video communication sessions
• Is under exclusive notary control
• Is secure and tamper-evident
• Retains records for the required period

RON Fees

• Maximum fee per electronic/RON act: $25.00
• Reasonable fees may be charged for providing copies of journal entries or recordings

Total Cost to Become an Illinois Notary

Traditional Notary Only:

Traditional + Electronic Notary:

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Renewing Your Illinois Commission

Illinois notary commissions are valid for 4 years (residents) or 1 year (non-residents).

Renewal Process:

• Complete a new education course (unless exempt as attorney/judge)
• Obtain a new surety bond
• Submit renewal application before expiration
• Pay the renewal fee

Important: Your commission expires at midnight on the expiration date. There is no grace period - you cannot notarize after your commission expires.

Note: Purchase a new stamp with your updated expiration date and commission number.

Special Considerations

Non-Resident Notaries

If you work in Illinois but reside elsewhere:

• You may qualify for an Illinois notary commission
• Commission term is 1 year (not 4 years)
• Must have a principal place of work/business in Illinois
• Same education and bond requirements apply

Attorney Exemptions (2025)

Effective January 1, 2025, the following are exempt from education/exam requirements:

• Licensed Illinois attorneys
• Judges
• Employees of licensed attorneys or judges

Must provide a signed statement confirming status and understanding of the Notary Public Act.

Lost or Compromised Journal

If your journal is lost, stolen, or compromised:

• Notify the SOS Index Department within 10 business days
• Document the circumstances
• Begin a new journal immediately

Start Your Illinois Notary Career Today

Illinois provides a clear path to becoming a notary public with its education course requirement ensuring all notaries are properly trained. The state's robust RON program makes Illinois an excellent choice for building a modern notary business.

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