How to Become a Notary in Illinois (2026)
Quick answer: To become a notary in Illinois, you must be 18+, an IL resident (or work in IL), obtain a $5,000 surety bond, and submit an application to the Secretary of State. No exam or education is required. Total cost: approximately $50–$75. Commission lasts 4 years.
Illinois Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Residency | Illinois resident or principally employed in IL |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| Background check | No criminal conviction of a felony |
| Education | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Surety bond | $5,000 for 4-year term |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Application fee | $10 (state fee) |
| Max fee per act | $5 per notarial act |
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Illinois (or employed principally in Illinois), and must not have been convicted of a felony. There is no citizenship requirement for standard notary commissions, but you must be a legal U.S. resident.
Step 2: Obtain a $5,000 surety bond
Before applying, you need to purchase a surety bond from a licensed insurance company or bonding agency. The bond protects the public if you make errors or act improperly as a notary.
- Bond amount: $5,000
- Bond term: 4 years (matches your commission)
- Typical cost: $30–$50 for the 4-year term (this is your premium, not the bond amount)
You can purchase a bond from national providers like NNA (National Notary Association), Notary.net, or local insurance agencies. The bond must be issued by a company authorized to do business in Illinois.
Step 3: Complete the application
Submit your application to the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. You can apply by mail or online.
Required information:
- Full legal name
- County of residence
- Home and business addresses
- Date of birth
- Bond information (company name, bond number)
Step 4: Pay the application fee
The state application fee is $10. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing.
Step 5: Receive your commission
Once approved, the Secretary of State issues your notary commission. You will receive your commission certificate by mail.
Step 6: Purchase your notary supplies
Illinois requires:
- Notary seal/stamp — Must include your name, “Notary Public,” “State of Illinois,” your county, and your commission expiration date
- Notary journal — Required by Illinois law. Must be maintained for 7 years after your last entry.
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $10 |
| Surety bond (4-year premium) | $30–$50 |
| Notary stamp/seal | $15–$30 |
| Notary journal | $10–$20 |
| Total | $65–$110 |
Illinois Notary Rules to Know
Journal requirement. Illinois requires all notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Record every notarization with the date, type of act, signer’s name, ID information, and fee charged. Retain journals for 7 years.
Fee limits. The maximum fee in Illinois is $5 per notarial act. You may charge less or notarize for free.
Seal requirements. Your seal must be a rubber stamp (not an embosser) and include all required elements. See our stamp and seal requirements guide for details.
Remote Online Notarization. Illinois allows RON under the Electronic Notarization Act. Additional registration and technology requirements apply.
Renewing Your Illinois Notary Commission
Your commission lasts 4 years. To renew:
- Obtain a new surety bond
- Submit a renewal application before your commission expires
- Pay the renewal fee ($10)
- Receive your new commission certificate
Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiration to avoid a gap in your commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Illinois?
The application process typically takes 4–8 weeks from submission to receiving your commission. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
Do I need to take a notary exam in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not require an exam or education course for standard notary commissions.
Can I notarize outside my county?
Yes. Your Illinois notary commission is valid statewide. You are not limited to your county of residence.
How much can I charge as a notary in Illinois?
The maximum fee is $5 per notarial act. Mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated. See our complete fee guide for details.
Already a notary in Illinois? List your services on FindNotary.io to connect with people who need notarization in your area.