How to Get an Illinois Notary Public Commission

The Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) appoints all notary public commissioners. A notary public is an official unbiased witness commissioned to perform notarial acts in accordance with 5 ILCS 312: Illinois Notary Public Act. 

Applying for a notary public commission is a simple process, just follow the simple steps below. 

How to Become an Illinois Notary Public 

To become a notary public in Illinois, you must meet these eligibility requirements first: 

• Be a US citizen 
• Be at least 18 years of age 
• Be proficient in English
• Be a resident or qualifying non-resident of Illinois 
• Have never been removed from a notary commission by the SOS
• Have never been convicted of a felony

Find more details about requirements, including information for non-residents, on the Illinois SOS notary services page. If you meet the prerequisites, follow the steps below. 

Step 1:  Purchase and file a $5,000 notary bond  

The Illinois Secretary of State requires notary public applicants to purchase and file a $5,000 surety bond. You can add $5,000–$25,000 of optional errors and omissions coverage to your bond purchase. 

Visit our Illinois notary public bond page to get your bond in minutes with instant email delivery. Print and sign the bond form, then file it with the Illinois SOS Springfield office.  

Step 2: Complete a notary study course

All notary publics in Illinois must complete a training course from an approved course provider. You’ll receive a completion certificate to submit with your application.

Step 4: Complete the notary application 

If you’re an Illinois resident, you can apply to become a notary public online. Non-resident applicants must mail a paper application to the SOS. 

To successfully apply, include the following: 

• A copy of your notary course completion certificate
• Your completed and notarized Notary Public Application and surety bond form
• The $15 application filing fee (check or card)
• A legible photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID card (address must meet the address on your application)

Review the Illinois SOS notary public application checklist for more details. 

Step 5: Take the Illinois notary public oath

All notaries must affirm the Illinois oath of office before being appointed. Online applicants will affirm the oath digitally. 

If you complete a paper application, you must affirm the oath in the presence of a qualified individual of Illinois. For more details see section 2-104 of the Illinois notary public handbook. 

Step 6: Obtain your notary supplies

Notaries are required to purchase an official seal to complete notarial acts through any third–party distributor. The seal must meet the requirements set by the Illinois SOS. You will also need to purchase a journal to track all transactions. 

Step 7: Purchase errors and omissions insurance

Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is an optional, but recommended, coverage option for notaries. Most notaries choose E&O to avoid paying legal fees out of pocket for minor notarization errors. 

You can bundle $5,000–$25,000 of E&O coverage with your bond for an additional $20–$40 with SuretyBonds.com. Visit our Illinois notary bond page to get your bond in minutes! 

How to Renew Your Notary Public Commission 

Resident notaries hold a four-year term while non-resident notaries hold a one-year term. The Illinois SOS will notify you 60 days before your term expires. 

There is no automatic reappointment in Illinois, so you’ll need to follow the same steps as a new applicant: 

• File and purchase a new surety bond
• Complete an approved course 
• Fill out the application 

How to Become an Electronic Notary Public in Illinois 

Once you’re licensed, you can also become certified as a remote online notary (RON). Here are the additional requirements to become an Illinois electronic notary public: 

• Submit an electronic notary application and $25 fee to the SOS
• Purchase a $30,000 notary bond to cover both notary certifications, rather than the standard $5,000 bond 
• Complete the electronic notary public course and exam 

You can apply for both certifications simultaneously, just be sure to complete all necessary steps. Contact your SuretyBonds.com account manager if you need to increase your bond amount to meet the higher RON coverage requirements. 

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary Public in Illinois?

The following are the costs associated with a notary public application: 

• Notary Application Fee: $15 
• Surety Bond: $30*
• Errors & Omissions Insurance: $20–$40* (optional) 
• Training Course: Varies, typically around $50
• Notary Supplies: Varies, typically $15–$60

If you’re applying for an electronic notary license, you’ll pay an additional $25 application fee. Your bond premium will be $50 for the increased bond amount. 

*Prices reflect SuretyBonds.com rates. Premiums may vary by provider.

Can Non-Residents Qualify to Become Illinois Public Notaries?

Illinois allows non–residents to become notaries. They hold a shorter term of one year, but hold the same duties and responsibilities. To qualify, you must be a resident of a bordering state: 

• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Missouri
• Wisconsin

You’ll also need to submit a separate non-resident notary public application form. 

Additional Resources 

• Illinois Notary Public Handbook