Illinois Notary | NOTARYBONDING - Illinois Notary "Discount" Bonding Co.

State of Illinois Notary Requirements

Click Here for simple step by step directions on how to become a new or renewal notary in Illinois

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.

Become a New or Renewal Notary in Illinois

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in Illinois

Step 1

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Complete Service in Illinois

Step 1

For a Recently Appointed Notary in Illinois

Step 1

Notary Bonds & Stamps for Illinois Notaries Public

Click Here for step by step directions to obtain a new or renewal notary in Illinois

State of Illinois Notary Requirements

Become a New or Renewal Notary in Illinois

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in Illinois

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Complete Service in Illinois

For a Recently Appointed Notary in Illinois

Order your notary package by mail

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