Notary Public
Illinois
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years (Illinois residents) / 1 year (qualifying non-residents from bordering states)
Commission Term
before renewal
3 hours
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
85%
$5,000 (standard) / $30,000 (remote notarization)
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedComplete the mandatory 3-hour notary training course
Pass the 50-question exam with a minimum 85% score
Obtain a $5,000 surety bond (or $30,000 for remote notarization)
Submit the notary public application to the Secretary of State with $15 filing fee (or $40 for NP + eNP)
Receive commission approval from the Secretary of State
Purchase a rectangular rubber stamp seal (black ink) and journal
Take the oath of office
Begin performing notarial acts
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of Illinois. Non-residents from bordering states (Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin) may qualify with a place of employment or business in Illinois (1-year commission).
Citizenship
U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency required
Background Check
Not required
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Required3 hours
Must complete a minimum 3-hour notary training course. Course includes a 50-question final exam requiring 85% passing score. Effective January 1, 2025, licensed attorneys, judges, and their employees are exempt from course/exam requirements during renewal (but first-time applicants still must complete it).
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
Required50-question exam at the end of the mandatory 3-hour training course. Must achieve a minimum score of 85%. This is one of the highest passing score requirements among U.S. states for notary exams.
Passing score: 85%
Administered by: Education course provider (integrated into course)
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$5,000 (standard) / $30,000 (remote notarization)
Standard notary commission requires a $5,000, 4-year surety bond. Remote notarization by audio-video communication requires a $30,000, 4-year surety bond.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance is not required by Illinois law but is recommended.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredRectangular rubber stamp, no larger than 1" x 2.5" with serrated or milled border. Must be affixed in black ink. Must display: 'Official Seal,' notary's official name, 'Notary Public,' 'State of Illinois,' commission number, and commission expiration date.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $15 (Notary Public only) / $40 (Notary Public + Electronic Notary Public) |
Bond Premium Premium cost for 4-year surety bond. Remote notarization bond ($30,000) will cost more. | $44 (typical for standard $5,000 bond) |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors; prices vary. | $30 |
Education Course Typical cost for 3-hour approved training course including exam. | $59 |
Total Estimated Cost Includes training course ($59), application ($15), surety bond ($44), seal ($30), journal ($30-$55). | $178-$203 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years (Illinois residents) / 1 year (qualifying non-residents from bordering states)
Renewal Process
Submit renewal application with fees. Must complete 3-hour education course and pass exam again (unless exempt as attorney, judge, or their employee per Jan 2025 law). Must obtain new surety bond.
Renewal Fee
$15 (Notary Public only) / $40 (NP + eNP)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Active Illinois notaries may perform remote notarization on paper documents. Electronic Notaries can notarize electronic documents remotely. All remote notarization requires the enhanced $30,000 surety bond (instead of the standard $5,000).
Additional Requirements
Must obtain Electronic Notary Public commission ($25 add-on fee if already a Notary Public, or $40 for simultaneous NP + eNP application). Must use approved audio-video communication technology. Must maintain electronic journal of remote notarial acts.
Important Notes
What Makes Illinois Unique
Illinois has a notably high exam passing threshold of 85%, making it one of the more demanding states for notary qualification. The state also has a significant bond differential between standard notarization ($5,000) and remote notarization ($30,000). Non-residents from bordering states can qualify but only receive a 1-year commission instead of 4 years. The stamp must specifically use black ink.
Illinois has one of the highest exam passing score requirements at 85% (compared to 70% in most states).
Non-residents from bordering states (IA, IN, KY, MO, WI) can obtain a 1-year commission if they work or have business in Illinois.
Effective January 1, 2025: Licensed attorneys, judges, and their employees are exempt from course/exam requirements during renewal only.
Stamp must use BLACK ink specifically - color requirement is enforced.
Remote notarization requires a $30,000 bond (6x the standard $5,000 bond).
Electronic Notary Public is a separate designation that can be added to a Notary Public commission for $25.
Sources
Find Notary Education Courses in Illinois
Illinois requires 3 hours of notary education. Complete your training through an approved provider.
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