Free Illinois Notary Exam Flashcards

Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the Illinois Notary Public Commission Exam (Illinois Secretary of State). See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.

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Who commissions Illinois notaries public, and how long does a commission last?

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Card 1 of 50Qualifications & Commissioning

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About These Illinois Notary Flashcards

These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the Illinois Notary Public Commission Exam (Illinois Secretary of State). Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.

Topics Covered

Qualifications & Commissioning9 cards
Notarial Acts & Certificates11 cards
Identification & Personal Appearance8 cards
Journal, Seal & Fees10 cards
Remote & Electronic Notarization6 cards
Prohibited Acts, UPL & Discipline6 cards

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Illinois notary exam?

Yes, but not at a state testing center. Since January 1, 2024, first-time and renewing applicants must complete a Secretary of State-approved course of study and pass that provider's final examination (5 ILCS 312/2-101.5). The course must deliver at least 180 minutes of timed instruction, and the exam is 50 questions pulled from a bank of at least 100, with no more than half true-false (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235). You submit the certificate of completion with your application.

What score do I need to pass the Illinois notary course exam?

At least 85%. A student who scores below 85% must be re-tested with different questions from the provider's test bank and is not required to repeat the course before retaking it (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235(c)(4)).

What happens if I fail the Illinois notary exam three times?

There is no waiting period between attempts - the rule says the exam may be retaken at any time by agreement between the student and the course provider, using different questions. However, if you fail the final examination three times you have failed the course itself and must take a course again; you may choose a different approved provider before retaking the exam (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235(c)(4) and (c)(5)).

What does it cost to become an Illinois notary?

The Secretary of State charges a $15 filing fee for a notary public commission and $25 for an electronic notary public commission, so applying for both at once is $40 and adding an electronic commission later is $25 (5 ILCS 312/2-103). On top of that you pay for the required course and for the surety bond: $5,000 for traditional in-person acts, or $30,000 combined if you will notarize remotely or electronically (5 ILCS 312/2-105).

Do Illinois notaries have to keep a journal?

Yes. Every notary, electronic or not, must record each notarial act in a journal at the time of notarization (5 ILCS 312/3-107; 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.900). Paper journals are kept at least 7 years after the last act recorded in them, and electronic journal records and audio-video recordings at least 7 years. Two exemptions exist: notaries employed by an attorney or law firm that keeps copies of the notarized documents, and notarizations on a candidate's nominating petitions and nomination papers.

How much can an Illinois notary charge per notarization?

A maximum of $5 for any non-electronic notarial act and up to $25 for an electronic notarial act (5 ILCS 312/3-104). Charging a fee is optional. Notaries who help with immigration forms are capped at $10 per form, $10 per page of translation, $5 for notarizing, $3 to obtain a needed document, and $75 for one complete application. Every notary must issue itemized receipts showing the notarial fee separately, and overcharging is a Class A misdemeanor.

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