How to Become a Notary in Illinois (2026 Guide)

Updated October 28, 2026 · Based on the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312) and 14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176

Who can become an Illinois notary?

You must:

• have lived in Illinois for the 30 days before you apply, or live in a bordering state (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, or Wisconsin) and have worked or run a business in Illinois for the 30 days before you apply;
• be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident;
• be at least 18 years old;
• be proficient in English;
• not have had a prior notary application or commission revoked by the Secretary of State;
• not have been convicted of a felony; and
• complete the required course of study and pass the exam.

Residents of bordering states receive a 1-year commission, only if their home state lets Illinois residents become notaries there. Residents of other states, such as Michigan or Ohio, are not eligible, even if they work in Illinois.

Sources: 5 ILCS 312/2-101, 2-102

Step-by-step: how to get your Illinois notary commission

1. Take the required course and pass the exam. Since January 1, 2024, first-time and renewing applicants must complete a course of study from a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State, and pass its exam. Courses include at least 180 minutes of instruction, and the exam requires a score of 85%. You then have 2 years from your exam date to apply.
2. Get a $5,000 surety bond. The bond must run 4 years from your appointment and be written by a company authorized to issue surety bonds in Illinois. The bonding company reports your bond to the Secretary of State. If you will also notarize remotely or electronically by video, you need an additional $25,000 bond, or one combined $30,000 bond.
3. Apply online with the Secretary of State. You'll enter your name and address exactly as they appear on your Illinois driver's license or state ID, your county, email, and date of birth. You'll confirm each qualification and indicate whether you'll notarize only in person or also remotely.
4. Take the oath of office. On the online application, you affirm under penalty of perjury that your answers are true and that you'll perform notarial acts according to law.
5. Pay the $15 appointment fee. An electronic notary commission costs an additional $25.
6. Receive your commission certificate. The Secretary of State assigns you a unique commission number. Your 4-year term starts on the date you are commissioned.
7. Order your official seal. You may buy your seal only after you receive your commission certificate. Show it to the seal vendor.
8. Start your notary journal. Every Illinois notary must keep a journal of each notarial act.

Sources: 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5, 2-102, 2-103, 2-104, 2-105; 14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176

How much does it cost to become a notary in Illinois?

What must an Illinois notary seal include?

Your seal must be a rubber stamp with a rectangular serrated or milled border no larger than 1 inch high by 2½ inches long, containing:

• the words "Official Seal";
• your official name;
• the words "Notary Public" and "State of Illinois";
• "Commission No." followed by your commission number; and
• "My commission expires" followed by your expiration date.

Stamp it in black ink so it can be photocopied.

Sources: 5 ILCS 312/3-101, 6-103; 14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176

How much can an Illinois notary charge?

• $5 maximum per traditional (non-electronic) notarial act.
• $25 maximum per electronic notarial act.
• No fee for notarizing a Secretary of State Homeless Status Certification form (effective January 1, 2026).

Notaries must give itemized receipts for fees. Charging more than the maximum is a crime.

Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-104, as amended by Public Act 104-0083

Do Illinois notaries have to keep a journal?

Yes. Every Illinois notary must record each notarial act in a paper or electronic journal. The journal belongs to the notary, not the employer. It must be kept for at least 7 years after the last act recorded. Illinois prohibits recording ID numbers, Social Security numbers, and fingerprints in the journal.

Sources: 5 ILCS 312/3-107; 14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176

How long does an Illinois notary commission last?

Four years for Illinois residents, and one year for residents of bordering states. Commissions don't renew automatically. The Secretary of State mails a reminder at least 60 days before your commission expires, and you must reapply, including taking the course and exam again, unless you qualify for the exemption for attorneys, judges, and their employees.

Sources: 5 ILCS 312/2-101, 2-101.5(c), 5-101

What if I move or change my name?

Notify the Secretary of State's Index Department in writing within 30 days of any change to your name, residential or business address, or email address. If you don't, your commission stops being valid and you must apply again.

Source: 5 ILCS 312/4-101

Official resources

• Illinois Secretary of State: Notary Commission Application
• Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State.