How to become a notary in Illinois
Eligibility, a 3-hour course, an exam, a $5,000 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department (Notary Public Division).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Illinois resident for at least 30 days before applying (4-year commission), or a resident of a bordering state who has worked or kept a business in Illinois for 30 days (1-year non-resident commission, paper application only); must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; Proficient in English; no felony conviction; no prior application or commission revoked by the Secretary of State; application authorizes a background check if necessary.
- Take the required notary course — 3 hours — Complete an SOS-approved notary public study course (minimum 180 minutes, finished within 30 days) from a certified provider, for new and renewing notaries; apply within 2 years of the exam. Electronic notary applicants also complete the electronic notarization course.
- Pass the notary exam — Pass the exam at the end of the approved course (given by the course provider); upload the completion certificate with the application.
- Buy a $5,000 surety bond — 4-year $5,000 surety bond (Form I 264) from a company qualified to write surety bonds in Illinois; $30,000 total ($5,000 + $25,000) if you will notarize remotely by audio-video or as an electronic notary. Public official bonds and E&O policies are not accepted in place of the bond.
- Complete the background check — Application authorizes the SOS to verify the information, including a criminal background check if necessary; no fingerprinting.
- Apply to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department (Notary Public Division) — Pay the $15 state fee. Other fees: $40 for notary plus electronic notary together; $25 to add electronic notary to an existing commission; course fee set by the private provider; seal and bond bought privately.
- Take the oath and file it — The oath is affirmed electronically in the online application (paper applicants sign it before a notary). Begin notarizing only after the SOS approves the commission and you have the official seal. The old requirement to record the commission with the county clerk was repealed effective July 1, 2022 (5 ILCS 312/2-106), although the SOS handbook FAQ still mentions it.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: rectangular rubber stamp, max 1 x 2.5 inches with serrated/milled border, showing 'Official Seal', the notary's official name, 'Notary Public', 'State of Illinois' and 'My commission expires (date)'. Journal: Required.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Illinois's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Illinois notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department (Notary Public Division) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Illinois resident for at least 30 days before applying (4-year commission), or a resident of a bordering state who has worked or kept a business in Illinois for 30 days (1-year non-resident commission, paper application only); must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident |
| Course | Required — 3 hours Complete an SOS-approved notary public study course (minimum 180 minutes, finished within 30 days) from a certified provider, for new and renewing notaries; apply within 2 years of the exam. Electronic notary applicants also complete the electronic notarization course. |
| Exam | Required Pass the exam at the end of the approved course (given by the course provider); upload the completion certificate with the application. |
| State fee | $15 |
| Other fees | $40 for notary plus electronic notary together; $25 to add electronic notary to an existing commission; course fee set by the private provider; seal and bond bought privately |
| Surety bond | $5,000 4-year $5,000 surety bond (Form I 264) from a company qualified to write surety bonds in Illinois; $30,000 total ($5,000 + $25,000) if you will notarize remotely by audio-video or as an electronic notary. Public official bonds and E&O policies are not accepted in place of the bond. |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | Application authorizes the SOS to verify the information, including a criminal background check if necessary; no fingerprinting |
| Term | 4 years (1 year for non-residents) |
| Oath / filing | The oath is affirmed electronically in the online application (paper applicants sign it before a notary). Begin notarizing only after the SOS approves the commission and you have the official seal. The old requirement to record the commission with the county clerk was repealed effective July 1, 2022 (5 ILCS 312/2-106), although the SOS handbook FAQ still mentions it. |
| Seal | Required: rectangular rubber stamp, max 1 x 2.5 inches with serrated/milled border, showing 'Official Seal', the notary's official name, 'Notary Public', 'State of Illinois' and 'My commission expires (date)' |
| Journal | Required |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 per notarial act; up to $25 for a remote or electronic notarial act; immigration form services capped ($10 per form, $75 per complete application); itemized receipts required |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Remote notarization by audio-video (with paper seal) and electronic notarization are both authorized; electronic notary commission costs $25 (on top of the $15 notary fee), requires the electronic course and exam, an SOS-approved electronic notarization system provider and a $30,000 combined bond; same term as the notary commission |
| Renewal | No automatic reappointment; SOS sends a notice about 60 days before expiry; renew online up to 90 days early, retaking the approved course and exam; no grace period after expiration |
Residents must apply online (paper only with a hardship exemption or as a non-resident). Moving to another county, changing employer county as a non-resident, or changing your name means resigning and reapplying. Journal (paper or electronic) must be kept at least 7 years after the last entry and stays with the notary, not the employer. Mandatory course and journal date from the 2022 overhaul (P.A. 102-160).
Sources: Illinois SOS — Notary Services · Illinois SOS — Online Notary Application · Illinois Notary Public Handbook (rev. 2026) · Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312) · 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.225 (course length). Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Illinois notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Illinois licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Illinois insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Illinois?
The state fee is $15, plus $40 for notary plus electronic notary together; $25 to add electronic notary to an existing commission; course fee set by the private provider; seal and bond bought privately. Add the premium for the $5,000 bond, the course, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Illinois?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Illinois?
Illinois requires a 3-hour course, an exam, a $5,000 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Illinois?
$5 per notarial act; up to $25 for a remote or electronic notarial act; immigration form services capped ($10 per form, $75 per complete application); itemized receipts required.
Can I be an online notary in Illinois?
Yes. Remote notarization by audio-video (with paper seal) and electronic notarization are both authorized; electronic notary commission costs $25 (on top of the $15 notary fee), requires the electronic course and exam, an SOS-approved electronic notarization system provider and a $30,000 combined bond; same term as the notary commission