How to Become a Notary in Illinois

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 Years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Illinois

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam:

All applicants must complete a three-hour education course and pass the associated exam. This includes new notaries and renewals. Attorneys and judges may be exempt depending on status.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

An Illinois notary is required to post a four-year, $5,000 notary bond to protect the public from any fraud, mistakes, or misconduct on the part of the notary. If a member of the public files a claim against a notary’s bond, the bonding company is very likely to sue the notary to recoup the funds it paid on the notary’s behalf.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $5,000 bond is required

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission Final:

No Oath is required

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Illinois Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Illinois Secretary of State appoints and commissions notaries in Illinois. The Index Department of the Illinois Secretary of State receives applications for appointment and reappointment as a notary public, administers the commissioning process, and maintains an electronic database of active notaries.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.