For Notaries · Illinois

How to Become a Notary in Illinois

To become a notary in Illinois, be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and an Illinois resident. Since January 2024, first-time applicants must complete a 3-hour state-approved course and pass an exam, obtain a $5,000 bond, and file a $15 application with the Secretary of State. Commissions last four years.

Earn as a remote online notary See the steps

Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary

Illinois notaries are commissioned by the Illinois Secretary of State, and the rules changed meaningfully in recent years. As of January 1, 2024, first-time applicants must complete a state-approved study course and pass an exam before applying — a step Illinois did not require in the past. You also post a $5,000 surety bond, pay a $15 filing fee, and serve a four-year term. Illinois now authorizes electronic and remote online notarization as well, so you can choose to add online authority (which carries a larger $30,000 bond) and start earning from remote signings.

Illinois Notary Requirements at a Glance

Eligibility At least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and a resident of Illinois (or, for the 1-year non-resident commission, employed or with a principal place of work in Illinois). You must be able to read and write English and have no disqualifying felony conviction or a commission revoked in the past decade.
Surety bond $5,000 surety bond for a traditional notary, covering the full four-year term. An electronic/remote notary must carry a $30,000 bond (or $25,000 in addition to the $5,000 traditional bond).
State filing fee $15 for a traditional notary commission; $40 for a combined notary + electronic notary application, or $25 to add electronic authority to an existing commission.
Commission term 4 years (1 year for non-resident commissions)
Notary education Required. Since January 1, 2024, first-time applicants must complete a Secretary of State-certified study course of at least 180 minutes (three hours), taken in person or online and finished within 30 days of starting. Notaries renewing an existing commission are exempt from the course.
Exam Required for first-time applicants. A 50-question examination tied to the study course, with a passing score of at least 85%. Renewing notaries are exempt from the exam.

Since January 1, 2024, first-time Illinois notary applicants must complete a minimum 180-minute (three-hour) state-certified study course and pass a 50-question examination with a score of at least 85%. — Illinois Administrative Code, Title 14, Part 176.205 (Course of Study and Examination)

How to Become a Notary in Illinois: Step by Step

  1. 1

    Confirm you're eligible

    Be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and an Illinois resident (or work in Illinois for the 1-year non-resident commission). You must read and write English and have no disqualifying felony or a commission revoked in the last 10 years.

  2. 2

    Complete the study course and pass the exam

    First-time applicants must take a Secretary of State-certified study course of at least three hours (in person or online) and pass a 50-question exam with a score of at least 85%. This requirement began January 1, 2024; renewing notaries are exempt.

  3. 3

    Obtain your $5,000 surety bond

    Purchase a $5,000 notary surety bond from a licensed bonding company; it covers your four-year term. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage. Electronic/remote notaries need a $30,000 bond instead.

  4. 4

    Submit your application and $15 fee

    File your notary public application with proof of your bond and course completion through the Illinois Secretary of State and pay the $15 filing fee. To also perform electronic/remote notarizations, apply for the combined commission ($40) and provide the higher bond.

  5. 5

    Receive your commission and start notarizing

    Once approved, you receive a four-year commission. Get your official notary seal and record book (journal), then you're ready to notarize documents across Illinois.

How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Illinois

Illinois authorizes both electronic notarization and remote online notarization (RON). You choose your notarization categories on the application, and applications for electronic/remote authority are open now. A remote or electronic notary must carry a $30,000 bond instead of the standard $5,000.

Online / remote notary application fee: $40 for a combined notary + electronic application, or $25 to add electronic authority to an existing commission

Illinois's electronic and remote notarization rules took effect in 2023; notaries can register for electronic/remote authority now.

See how RON is authorized in Illinois — and state by state →

Walk through the Illinois remote online notarization process →

Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Illinois

Illinois allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Illinois commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.

Traditional (in-person) notary Remote online notary (RON)
How the signer appearsIn person, in the same roomOver a live, recorded audio-video call
Available in Illinois?YesAvailable now — register once commissioned
What you needSeal and journalAn approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate
Where the work comes fromLocal, walk-in and mobile appointmentsNationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary

What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Illinois?

Item Cost
State filing fee (traditional) $15 (fixed by the state)
$5,000 surety bond Premium varies by bonding company (about $30-$55)
Study course and exam Varies by approved provider
Seal, journal and supplies Varies
Electronic / remote notary (optional) $25 to add or $40 combined; requires a $30,000 bond

See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.

Turn Your Illinois Commission Into Income

Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Illinois notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Illinois notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.

Join USA Notary as a notary

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Notary in Other States

Requirements differ by state — here are nearby East North Central guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.

How to Become a Notary in Ohio How to Become a Notary in Michigan How to Become a Notary in Indiana How to Become a Notary in New York How to Become a Notary in Oregon How to Become a Notary in Kansas How to Become a Notary in Massachusetts How to Become a Notary in Utah
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About the author

Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC

CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC

Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.

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Official sources

This guide summarizes public requirements from Illinois's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.