How to Become a Notary Public in Illinois

Checked against Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 4 years
State fee: $15
Bond: $5,000 surety bond ($25,000 for remote notarization; one $30,000 bond covers both)
Commissioned by: Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department

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Who can apply

Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Have lived in Illinois for at least 30 days (residents of a bordering state who have worked in an Illinois county for 30 days may also qualify).
Be at least 18 years old.
Be proficient in English.
Have no felony conviction.
Have never had a notary application or commission revoked by the Secretary of State.
Complete an approved course of study and pass its exam.

Step by step

Complete a Secretary of State–approved notary course (at least 3 hours) and pass its exam; you must apply within 2 years of the exam.
Get a $5,000 notary bond from a surety company ($30,000 if you will also notarize by audio-video).
Apply online at apps.ilsos.gov/notary with your Illinois driver's license or ID, course certificate and bond (non-residents use the paper application).
Affirm the oath in the online application and pay the fee.
Once your commission is approved, get your official notary seal before notarizing.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Course of at least 3 hours from a Secretary of State–certified provider, required for new and renewing applicants since January 1, 2024. Renewing attorneys and judges can be exempted.

Exam: Given at the end of the approved course by the course provider. You must apply within 2 years of passing.

Practice for the notary exam free — role & powers, prohibited acts, and procedures & recordkeeping →

What it costs in Illinois

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Approved course and exam (provider fee)$
$5,000 surety bond premium ($30,000 if notarizing remotely)$
Application fee (Secretary of State)$15
Official notary seal$
Electronic notary commission (fee waived since July 27, 2026)(optional)$0

Estimated total in Illinois$15Plus 3 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Approved course and exam (provider fee)
Surety bond premium
Official notary seal

What other sites get wrong about Illinois

Myth: Adding an Illinois electronic notary commission costs an extra $25 state fee.

Fact: Since July 27, 2026, the Secretary of State has waived the $25 electronic notary commission fee under a two-year waiver; the regular $15 notary fee still applies. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: The Secretary of State sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Renew online after retaking the course and exam (unless exempt); there is no grace period after expiration.

Remote online notarization: Yes — any commissioned notary may notarize remotely with the higher bond; electronic notarial acts by audio-video need a separate electronic notary commission with its own course and exam.

Good to know in Illinois

Felony rule change and nonresidents: Starting January 1, 2027 (P.A. 104-486), a past felony conviction no longer bars you outright: you qualify if you completed all felony sentences and 10 years have passed since. Residents of bordering states who work in Illinois receive only a 1-year commission.

Renewal cost: Renewal costs $15 plus the approved provider's course and exam fee, since renewing notaries must retake them unless exempt.

What you can charge: Under 5 ILCS 312/3-104, the maximum is $5 per notarial act on paper and up to $25 for a remote (audio-video) or electronic notarial act. Every fee must appear on an itemized receipt.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department before you apply.