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Illinois Notary Bond$5,000 or $30,000

Get your Illinois notary bond instantly. Traditional notaries need $5,000; e-notaries need $30,000. 3-hour course and 85% exam score required. Download in minutes.

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Traditional: $5,000 bond required
E-Notary: $30,000 bond required
3-hour course + 85% exam
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Quick Answer

According to 5 ILCS 312/2-101, Illinois requires a $5,000 surety bond ($30,000 for e-notaries) from an admitted insurer. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. You must complete a 3-hour course and pass an 85% exam. File your bond with the Secretary of State within the filing period.

What Type of Illinois Notary Bond Do I Need?

Traditional Notary

$5,000 Bond

Premium: $50-75 for 4 years

  • In-person notarizations only
  • Paper documents
  • Standard notary duties
  • $15 filing fee
Electronic Notary (E-Notary)

$30,000 Bond

Premium: $125-175 for 4 years

  • Remote online notarizations
  • In-person + electronic
  • All notary duties
  • $40 filing fee

Illinois Education & Exam Requirements

Course & Exam (Since Jan 1, 2024)

  • Complete 3-hour state-approved course
  • Pass 50-question exam (85%+)
  • Online or in-person available
  • Results valid for 2 years

Exemptions (Jan 1, 2025+)

  • Licensed attorneys exempt
  • Judges exempt
  • Their employees exempt on renewal
  • Must sign acknowledgment statement

Exam Retake Policy: If you fail three times, you must retake the entire 3-hour course before attempting the exam again. Plan to study thoroughly before your first attempt.

Where Do Illinois Notaries Work?

Chicago Metro Area

Chicago Loop: Financial services, corporate headquarters, law firms. High demand for commercial real estate and M&A documentation.

Suburbs (Oak Brook, Schaumburg): Corporate parks, insurance companies, healthcare networks (Advocate, NorthShore).

O'Hare Corridor: Logistics, manufacturing, international trade documentation.

Downstate Illinois

Springfield: State capital, government documents, insurance industry headquarters (State Farm in Bloomington nearby).

Champaign-Urbana: University of Illinois, research park, student population.

East St. Louis Metro: Cross-border commerce with Missouri, industrial documentation.

Illinois Notary Bond FAQs

How much does an Illinois notary bond cost?
According to 5 ILCS 312/2-101, Illinois requires a $5,000 notary bond ($30,000 for e-notaries). This one-time premium covers your entire commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.
What is the bond requirement for Illinois e-notaries?
Illinois e-notaries must obtain a $30,000 surety bond. This can be a single $30,000 bond OR a $5,000 traditional bond plus a separate $25,000 electronic notary bond.
Is the education course and exam mandatory in Illinois?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, all Illinois notary applicants must complete a state-approved 3-hour course and pass a 50-question exam with at least 85%. This applies to both new applicants and renewals.
What happens if I fail the Illinois notary exam?
You may retake the exam. If you fail three times, you must retake the entire 3-hour course before attempting the exam again. After passing, you have two years to apply for your commission.
Can I get an Illinois notary bond with bad credit?
Yes! Illinois notary bonds qualify for instant approval with no credit check for both the $5,000 traditional bond and $30,000 e-notary bond.
Who is exempt from the Illinois notary education requirement?
Licensed attorneys, judges, and their employees are exempt when renewing (effective January 1, 2025). They must provide a signed statement confirming status and that they have read the Illinois Notary Public Act.
How long is an Illinois notary commission valid?
Illinois notary commissions are valid for 4 years. You must renew before expiration by completing the education course (unless exempt) and obtaining a new bond. There is no grace period for late renewals.
Where do I file my Illinois notary bond?
File your Illinois notary bond with the Secretary of State Index Department. Submit your application, bond, and $15 filing fee ($40 for e-notaries). Process takes 4-6 weeks. You'll receive your commission certificate by mail.

Nearby State Notary Bonds

Indiana
$25,000
8 years
Wisconsin
$500
4 years
Missouri
$10,000
4 years
Iowa
$15,000
3 years
Michigan
$10,000
6 years
Ohio
$25,000
5 years
View All State Notary Bonds

Official Illinois Notary Resources

Illinois Secretary of State

Official notary requirements, applications, education providers, and exam information.

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program

Official list of authorized surety companies.

Official Illinois Requirements

"Illinois law requires notary publics to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $5,000 to protect the public from financial loss due to notarial misconduct."
Illinois Secretary of State • 5 ILCS 312/2-101
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