Illinois

Illinois Notary "Discount" Bonding Co.

Since 1940, we have served millions of notaries nationwide and our experienced professional team is here to make the process as simple as possible. Why pay more and receive less! Let us help you today with all your Illinois notarial needs.

We provide a fast and effortless process to become a new notary or renew your Illinois notary public commission. Our low-cost notary bond packages start at just $30.00 for a four-year term notary public bond and a four-year term E&O insurance coverage.

Legacy State Id:

Order Form:

nsbai_illinois.pdf

Eligibility:

Be 18 years of age or older.

Be able to read and write the English language.

Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Be a resident of the State of Illinois for at least 30 days or a resident of a bordering state that has been employed in Illinois for at least 30 days.

Not have been convicted of a felony.

Not have had a notary commission suspended or revoked within 10 years from the date applying.

Provisions:

Notary Term

Illinois residents are appointed notaries for a term of four-years; non-residents are appointed for a 1 year term.

Notary Bond

Required. A bond in the amount of $5,000 is required for new and renewing state and county notaries public. Required. A bond in the amount of $30,000 is required for new and renewing state and county electronic audio-video communication notaries public.

Errors & Omissions Insurance

Optional. Illinois Notary "Discount" Association Co. strongly recommends that Illinois notaries insure themselves against claims of negligence.

Notary Stamp/Notary Seal

Required. A rubber inked stamp.

Notary Public Recording Journal

Effective July 1, 2023: All notaries public will be required to have a official notary recording journal. Our journals meet all state requirements.

State Application Filing Fee

The filing fee is as follows: $15 for Notary Public only, and $40 for Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public. If you are already a Notary Public and you are adding Electronic Notary Public, the fee is $25.

Education/Testing/Exam

Effective January 1, 2024: All new or renewal notaries seeking a commission as either a notary public or an electronic notary public must first successfully complete a course of study and acquire a passing score on the examination.

Renewal Notaries Only: Are you "EXEMPT" from taking the notary education course or passing the exam

Starting January 1, 2025, Only "RENEWING" licensed attorneys, judges, and individuals employed by a licensed attorney or the court are "EXEMPT" from taking the notary education course or passing the exam required to renew their notary public or electronic notary public appointments. To qualify for the "EXEMPTION", applicants must provide a signed statement, as required by the Illinois Secretary of State, confirming that they are either a "RENEWING" licensed attorney, judge, or employed by a licensed attorney or the court. The statement must also confirm that they have read and understood the current Illinois Notary Public Act at the time of their application.

Jurisdiction

Statewide.

Non-Residents

Permitted. Persons who are residents of a state bordering Illinois whose place of work or business is within a county in Illinois may apply if they have been in Illinois for 30 days, but only if the laws of their state authorize residents of Illinois to be appointed and commissioned as notaries public in their state. The bordering states of Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin offer such reciprocation. Non-residents must also meet the same qualifications as Illinois residents. The appointment and signature must be recorded with the county clerk where the applicant works or maintains a business. Non-resident applications can only be obtained from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Notary Commission Renewal

A notary may apply 60 days before the expiration of the current commission by completing a renewal application form.

State of Illinois Notary Website

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/notary/home.html

State of Illinois Notary Handbook

https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/ipub16.pdf

State of Illinois Phone Number

1-217-782-7017

State of Illinois Mailing Address

Office of the Secretary of State, Index Department, 111 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62756

Effective 07/01/2023

All notaries public will be required to have a official notary recording journal. Our journals meet all state requirements.

Effective 01/01/2024

All new or renewal notaries seeking a commission as either a notary public or an electronic notary public must first successfully complete a course of study and acquire a passing score on the examination.

Steps:

Choose a method on how to get your Notary Public Bond form "activated".

METHOD 1 - Online Orders: Send us a copy of your signed and completed Notary Public Bond form and we will sign, certify, and "activate" it for you. Once received we will "activate" your Notary Public Bond form and email it to you.

Send your signed and completed Notary Public Bond form. NOTE: Sign the form at the bottom left. Please indicate your 5 digit online estore order number you received at checkout.

Complete the Notary Public Bond Form (PDF)

Email: info@notarybonding.com
Fax: 800-637-5992
Mail To: Illinois Notary "Discount" Bonding Co., P.O. Box 5853, Peoria, IL 61601

METHOD 2 - Email, Fax, or Mail In Orders: Send us a copy of your signed and completed Notary Public Bond form and we will sign, certify, and "activate" it for you. Once received we will "activate" your Notary Public Bond form and email it to you.

Send your signed and completed Notary Public Bond form. NOTE: Sign the form at the bottom left.

Complete the Notary Public Bond Form (PDF)

Send your completed new or renewal notary bond package order form.

Complete New or Renewal Notary Bond Package Order Form (PDF)

Email: info@notarybonding.com
Fax: 800-637-5992
Mail To: Illinois Notary "Discount" Bonding Co., P.O. Box 5853, Peoria, IL 61601

What you will need to successfully submit an online Notary Public application to The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.

*Starting August 1, 2024, Illinois residents applying to be Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public must use our online application. Those who qualify for a hardship exemption can choose to use a paper application. For questions about this policy, please call 217-782-7017 or email enotary@ilsos.gov.

Note: Only Illinois residents may apply online. If you are applying as an Illinois non-resident Notary Public, you must submit a paper application. Non-Resident Notary Public Application & Instructions (PDF)

About: This online service allows you to either: (1) apply for a new Notary Public Commission; (2) renew a Notary Public Commission; (3) add Electronic Notary to an existing active Notary Public Commission; or (4) allow an existing Notary Public to reprint their commission certificate.

What you need:

(1). A valid unexpired Illinois driver’s license or identification card. If you recently changed your address, please provide the address as reported to the Illinois Secretary of State even if it is different from what is printed on your driver’s license or ID card.

(2). Provide a electronic "activated" copy of your completed Notary Public Bond form.

(3). *Starting January 1, 2025, only "RENEWING" licensed attorneys, judges, and individuals employed by a licensed attorney or the court are "EXEMPT" from taking the notary education course or passing the exam required to renew their notary public or electronic notary public appointments. If you qualify for the "EXEMPTION", you must complete the form below:

Complete the "Exemption" Form (PDF)

(4). Provide an electronic copy of your Notary Public education course completion certificate. This Notary Public education course has been approved by the Illinois Secretary of State for the required three hours of notary training. Note: If you are "EXEMPT" then you can skip the Notary Public education course.

Acquire Your Notary Public Education Course Completion Certificate

START YOUR ONLINE NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATION

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY: To order your new stamp you must send us a copy of your commission certificate you received from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Once we receive a copy of your commission certificate (see example commission certificate below) we will immediately order your new stamp. NOTE: Please allow up to 3 business days for your stamp(s) to be personalized and manufactured. Once complete the stamp(s) will be mailed directly to you.

Once you receive your stamp in mail you are now authorized to begin your notarial duties.

Send us a copy of your commission certificate by:

Email: statenotice@notarybonding.com
Fax: 800-637-5992