Illinois Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature 2026: $5

Quick answer: Illinois notaries can charge a maximum of $5 per notarial act (per signature). A mobile notary in Illinois typically costs $50 to $150 total including travel. Many Illinois banks notarize for free for account holders.

Illinois Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature

The Illinois Notary Public Act sets the maximum fee at $5.00 per notarial act. A notarial act includes acknowledgments, jurats (oaths/affirmations), and copy certifications. This is one of the lower caps in the country — well below states like California ($15) or Maine ($25), but higher than New York ($2) and Georgia ($2). Florida sits at $10 per act.

What counts as one act? Each signature that needs notarizing is a separate act. If you have three documents that each need a signature notarized, that is three acts at $5 each = $15 total.

Illinois notaries may charge less than $5 but cannot exceed it. Banks and credit unions in Illinois often notarize for free for their customers.

Mobile Notary Costs in Illinois

When an Illinois notary travels to your location, the travel fee is separate from the per-act fee. Illinois does not regulate mobile notary travel fees.

Service	Typical Cost in Illinois
Standard daytime (within 15 mi)	$50–$100 total
Evening or weekend	$75–$150 total
Rush / same-day	$100–$200 total
Hospital or care facility visit	$100–$200 total
Late night or holiday	$150–$300 total

The total includes both the $5 per-act fee and the travel charge. A mobile notary who charges a $75 travel fee plus the $5 per-act fee would cost $80 for one signature or $90 for three signatures.

Chicago area pricing tends to run higher than downstate Illinois due to traffic, parking, and demand. Expect to pay $75–$150 for a standard weekday mobile notary appointment in Chicago, and $100–$200+ for evenings or weekends.

Where to Get Free Notary Services in Illinois

Banks and credit unions — Chase, Bank of America, BMO, Wintrust, and most credit unions offer free notarization to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
AAA offices — Members can access free notary services at many Illinois branch locations.
Your employer — Large Illinois employers often have a notary on staff in HR or legal departments.
Public libraries — Some Illinois library systems offer free or low-cost notary services during business hours. Chicago Public Library branches are a good bet.
UPS Store — Not free (typically $5 per signature in Illinois), but widely available and walk-in friendly.

For more options, see our complete guide to free notary services.

Illinois Notary Journal Requirements

Illinois requires all notaries to maintain a journal of every notarization performed. Key requirements:

Retention period: 7 years after the last entry
Electronic journals: Allowed
Required entries: Date, type of act, document type, signer’s name, ID method, fee charged

Failure to maintain a journal in Illinois can result in fines or commission revocation. For the full state-by-state comparison, see our notary journal requirements guide.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Illinois

Illinois permits remote online notarization under the Electronic Notarization Act. RON allows you to get documents notarized via video call from anywhere.

Typical RON cost: $25–$50 per session through platforms like Notarize or Proof
Requirements: Government-issued photo ID, stable internet connection, audio/video capability
Accepted documents: Most documents that can be notarized in person can be notarized via RON

RON is convenient when you cannot visit a notary in person, but it costs more than the in-person $5 fee.

Loan Signing Agent Fees in Illinois

If you are buying or refinancing a home in Illinois, the notary fee works differently. Loan signing agents are paid by the title company, not by you directly.

Signing Type	Agent Fee	You Pay
Standard refinance	$75–$150	Included in closing costs
Purchase closing	$100–$200	Included in closing costs
HELOC / second lien	$75–$125	Included in closing costs

You will see a “notary fee” line on your closing disclosure, but you do not negotiate this directly.

How to Save Money on Notarization in Illinois

Check your bank first. Free notarization for account holders is the easiest way to save. See our guide to getting a document notarized for what to bring.
Plan ahead. Rush fees and after-hours charges can double the cost.
Batch documents. Bring all documents to one appointment instead of multiple visits.
Compare mobile notary quotes. Use FindNotary.io to find and compare notaries in your area.
Consider RON. A $25–$50 online session may beat a $100+ mobile notary visit.

Illinois Notary Fee FAQ

Can an Illinois notary charge more than $5?

No. The $5 per notarial act limit is set by Illinois state law. Exceeding it is a violation that can result in commission revocation. However, mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated.

How much does a mobile notary cost in Chicago?

Expect $75–$150 for a standard weekday appointment in Chicago, and $100–$200+ for evenings, weekends, or rush service. The per-act fee ($5) is a small fraction of the total — the travel fee is the main cost.

Is notarization free at Illinois banks?

Most major banks in Illinois offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability, as not every branch has a notary on staff every day.

How many signatures can an Illinois notary notarize at once?

There is no limit. Each signature is a separate $5 act. Whether you have 1 or 20 signatures, the notary can handle them in one appointment.

Find a notary near you in Illinois: Chicago · Aurora · Springfield · Naperville · Rockford · Joliet

Compare other states: Ohio notary fees ($5) · Pennsylvania notary fees ($5) · Texas notary fees ($6.25) · California notary fees ($15)