Illinois Notary Public BondInstant Approval • No Credit Check
Get your Illinois notary bond instantly approved with no credit check required. $5,000 bond for traditional notaries ($30,000 for e-notaries). 3-hour course and 85% exam required. Download your certificate in minutes.
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Serving Illinois Notaries Statewide
We serve all major cities and smaller communities across Illinois: Chicago • Aurora • Naperville • Joliet • Rockford • Springfield • Peoria • Elgin • Champaign • Waukegan and all towns throughout the Prairie State.
How to Become a Notary in Illinois
The process to become a notary in Illinois typically takes 3-4 weeks from application to commission. Illinois requires both a surety bond and completion of specific education requirements before commissioning.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet Illinois requirements: at least 18 years old, legal resident of Illinois, able to read and write English, and no disqualifying criminal convictions. Illinois requires state residency for notary commissioning.
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Save this page to return when you're ready to purchase your Illinois notary bond. Most applicants buy their bond after passing the exam.
Step 2: Purchase Your $5,000 Notary Bond
Illinois law requires a $5,000 surety bond for traditional notaries ($30,000 if you plan to perform electronic notarizations). You can obtain instant approval online with no credit check. The bond protects the public from errors or misconduct. Bonds typically cost $50-75 for the 4-year term.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
Submit your notary application to the Illinois Secretary of State along with your bond certificate and the required application fee. The Secretary of State reviews applications and processes background checks to ensure applicants meet all statutory requirements.
Step 4: Take Your Oath of Office
After your application is approved, take your oath of office as required by Illinois law. Purchase your official Illinois notary seal and journal meeting state requirements. You're now authorized to perform notarial acts throughout Illinois for your 4-year commission term.
Illinois Notary Education Course and Exam Requirements
As of January 1, 2024, Illinois implemented mandatory education and examination requirements for all notary public applicants. This significant change ensures that Illinois notaries possess thorough knowledge of notarial laws, procedures, and ethical standards before receiving their commission.
Mandatory 3-Hour Education Course
All Illinois notary applicants—both new applicants and those renewing their commissions—must complete a state-approved 3-hour course of study. The course covers essential topics including Illinois notary statutes (5 ILCS 312), proper notarization procedures, journal requirements, prohibited practices, and electronic notarization standards.
The 3-hour course may be completed online or through in-person classroom instruction, providing flexibility for working professionals and those in rural areas. Course providers must be approved by the Illinois Secretary of State to ensure curriculum quality and compliance with state standards.
The 50-Question Exam with 85% Passing Score
After completing the 3-hour course, applicants must pass a comprehensive 50-question examination with a minimum score of 85% (43 correct answers). This rigorous standard ensures that Illinois notaries thoroughly understand their duties and responsibilities before serving the public.
The exam tests knowledge across all aspects of Illinois notary law, including identification requirements, certificate wording, recordkeeping obligations, and prohibited acts. If you fail the exam, you may retake it. However, after three failed attempts, you must retake the entire 3-hour course before attempting the exam again. Once you pass the exam, you have two years from the examination date to submit your notary application.
Renewal Requirements
Illinois notary commissions last four years, and the education and exam requirements apply to renewals as well as initial applications. When your commission expires, you must retake the 3-hour course and pass the 85% exam to renew, ensuring your knowledge remains current with any legislative changes or updated procedures.
Exemptions for Legal Professionals
Effective January 1, 2025, licensed attorneys, judges, and their employees are exempt from the education course and exam requirements when renewing their notary commissions. To qualify for this exemption, applicants must provide a signed statement confirming their professional status and certifying they have read and understood the current Illinois Notary Public Act. This exemption recognizes that legal professionals maintain ongoing familiarity with notarial requirements through their professional practice.
Complete Illinois Notary Application Process
Verify Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 18 years old and either a legal Illinois resident or regularly employed in Illinois. You must be able to read and write English to perform notarial duties.
Complete Required 3-Hour Education Course
Enroll in and complete an Illinois Secretary of State-approved 3-hour notary education course. The course may be completed online or in person and covers Illinois notary law, procedures, and electronic notarization requirements.
Pass the 50-Question Exam with 85% or Higher
Take and pass the comprehensive 50-question examination with at least 85% (43 correct answers). You have multiple attempts if needed, but must retake the course after three failures. You have two years from passing to submit your application.
Purchase Your Illinois Notary Bond
Obtain a $5,000 surety bond for traditional notarizations only, or a $30,000 bond if you plan to perform electronic notarizations. Most applicants qualify for instant approval with no credit check, with costs typically $50-75 for traditional or $125-175 for e-notary bonds.
Consider Errors and Omissions Insurance
While not required, strongly consider purchasing E&O insurance. Your surety bond protects the public but not you personally. E&O insurance covers your legal defense and damages from unintentional errors, protecting your personal assets from claims that could reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Complete and Submit Application
Complete the Illinois notary application through the Secretary of State website. Include your course completion certificate, exam results, bond documentation, and filing fee ($15 for traditional notary, $40 for combined traditional and electronic notary).
Receive Commission Certificate
After the Illinois Secretary of State processes your application and completes the background check, you will receive your notary commission certificate. Processing times vary but typically range from 4-6 weeks.
Take Oath and Purchase Supplies
Take the oath of office as specified in your commission certificate. Purchase your official Illinois notary seal and journal to maintain required records. You are now authorized to perform notarial acts throughout Illinois for your 4-year commission term.
Electronic Notarization in Illinois
Illinois authorizes electronic notarization through remote online notarization (RON), allowing notaries to serve clients anywhere via audio-visual technology. This modern approach expands the geographic reach of Illinois notaries while maintaining strict security and authentication standards.
$30,000 Bond Requirement for E-Notaries
Illinois e-notaries must maintain a $30,000 surety bond. This higher bond amount can be satisfied in two ways: either purchase a single $30,000 bond covering both traditional and electronic notarizations, or maintain separate bonds totaling $30,000 (a $5,000 traditional notary bond plus a $25,000 electronic notary bond). The higher coverage reflects the increased risks and broader scope of remote electronic notarizations.
Technology and Platform Requirements
Illinois e-notaries must use technology platforms that meet specific security standards including identity verification, credential analysis, audio-visual recording, and tamper-evident electronic seals. All remote notarization sessions must be recorded and retained according to Illinois recordkeeping requirements, providing an audit trail that supplements the traditional notary journal.
Filing Fees and Commission Process
The Illinois Secretary of State charges $40 for a combined Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public commission. If you already hold a traditional notary commission and wish to add electronic notary capabilities, the fee is $25. You must still meet all education, exam, and bond requirements regardless of which type of commission you seek.
Serving Notaries Throughout Illinois
We serve all major cities as well as smaller towns around Illinois
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