2026 Notary Commission Guide
How to Become a Notary Public in Illinois
Illinois commissions traditional and electronic notaries through the Secretary of State. Applicants must follow the state application process, complete any required course and examination, obtain the applicable surety bond, and wait for the commission before purchasing or using a seal.
Requirements can change. Confirm current forms, dates, and instructions with the Illinois Secretary of State before applying.
Traditional term
4 years
State fee
$15
Traditional bond
$5,000
Course and exam
Required as directed
Illinois eligibility requirements
- Be an Illinois resident, or qualify as a resident of a bordering state whose principal place of work or business is in Illinois.
- Use your official name exactly as it appears on your current driver’s license or state-issued identification.
- Provide the residence, business, and commission information requested by the Secretary of State.
- Meet the statutory character and application requirements and disclose required criminal or professional history accurately.
Application and commissioning steps
- 1
Review the Illinois Notary Public Handbook
Read the current handbook and Illinois Notary Public Act before beginning the application.
- 2
Complete the required course and examination
First-time and renewing applicants must complete any course required by the Secretary of State and pass the examination given at the end of that course.
- 3
Obtain the correct surety bond
A traditional commission requires a $5,000 bond. Notaries performing remote or electronic acts by audio-video communication have an additional $25,000 bond requirement; the state permits a combined $30,000 bond when both apply.
- 4
Submit the application, oath, bond verification, and fee
Follow the Secretary of State’s current filing instructions and pay the $15 traditional commission fee. An electronic-notary commission has a separate additional fee.
- 5
Wait for appointment before ordering the seal
Do not use a notary seal or act as a notary until the Secretary of State has issued the commission.
Illinois notary course and examination
Illinois law authorizes the Secretary of State to require a course of study and an examination for first-time and renewing traditional or electronic notary applicants. Use an approved provider and confirm the current delivery format directly with the state.
Study from the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and the Illinois Notary Public Act, focusing on the duties and restrictions that apply to Illinois commissions.
Topics to study
- Acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations
- Personal appearance and satisfactory identification
- Official seals and certificate completion
- Fees, prohibited conduct, and conflicts of interest
- Remote and electronic notarization rules
- Commission changes, renewal, suspension, and revocation
After you receive your commission
- Obtain a compliant Illinois rubber-stamp seal and keep it under your exclusive control.
- Sign certificates exactly as your name appears on the commission and include all required certificate information.
- Never notarize without the signer’s required appearance and satisfactory evidence of identity.
- Follow the additional registration, technology, recordkeeping, and bond rules before performing electronic or remote notarizations.
Official resources
Use the official agency and handbook for controlling requirements and current application instructions.