Illinois Notary Exam Guide 2026
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Exam in a week or two? Here is what Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department materials say about the Illinois notary exam and commission, plus the free 20-question practice test so you can see where you stand.
Illinois notary exam at a glance
| Who must take it | First-time and renewing applicants, since January 1, 2024 (renewing attorneys, judges, and certain employees of attorneys or courts may be exempt) |
|---|---|
| Course | At least 3 hours (180 minutes) from an approved provider, completed within 30 days |
| Exam | Final exam of a course taught by a provider certified by the Secretary of State: 50 questions from a bank of at least 100 (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235) |
| After passing | You have 2 years to apply |
| Passing score | At least 85% on the course final exam (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235(c)(4)); below 85% you are retested with different questions, and 3 failures fail the course |
| Application fee | $15 (notary only); $40 with electronic notary; $25 to add electronic notary later |
Exam length and passing score come from 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235(c)(3)-(4), which governs the course provider's final examination. The state does not publish an exam time limit.
Illinois notary exam myths, checked against the rule text
Printable PDF: 25 more practice questions with answer key and sources
How to become a notary in Illinois
- Be 18+, a US citizen or permanent resident, an Illinois resident for 30 days (or work in Illinois from a qualifying bordering state), proficient in English, and have no felony conviction.
- Complete an approved 3-hour course and pass the exam.
- Get a $5,000 bond ($30,000 total if you will notarize remotely or electronically).
- Apply to the Secretary of State with the fee and a copy of your Illinois driver's license or ID.
- After approval, record your commission with the county clerk, get your official seal, and only then begin notarizing.
Every Illinois requirement and step, quoted from the official source
Illinois notary fees
| Application (notary only) | $15 |
|---|---|
| Application (notary + electronic notary) | $40 |
| Bond | $5,000; $30,000 total for remote/electronic |
| Max fee: in-person act | $5 |
| Max fee: remote or electronic act | $25 |
| Certificate of authority | $2 |
Full Illinois notary fee schedule: what a notary can charge, with the statute text
Renewing a Illinois commission: when to apply and what happens if it lapses
The Illinois notary application: what to have ready, what to submit, and what happens after approval
Illinois notary stamp and seal rules: what it must show, size and ink, and who owns it
Study plan if your Illinois exam is in 7 or 14 days
Built only from facts already listed on this page and in Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16, March 2026). No pass-rate claims.
If your exam is in about 7 days
- Re-read Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16, March 2026) (or the sections covering the topics you missed).
- Take the free practice test on this site and note weak topics.
- Review the official facts: Passing score: At least 85% on the course final exam (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235(c)(4)); below 85% you are retested with different questions, and 3 failures fail the course; Course: At least 3 hours (180 minutes) from an approved provider, completed within 30 days; Exam: Final exam of a course taught by a provider certified by the Secretary of State: 50 questions from a bank of at least 100 (14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235); Who must take it: First-time and renewing applicants, since January 1, 2024 (renewing attorneys, judges, and certain employees of attorneys or courts may be exempt).
- Confirm you have finished any required prep step: Complete an approved 3-hour course and pass the exam.
If your exam is in about 14 days
- Spread handbook study over several sittings: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16, March 2026).
- Work through the free practice test more than once, focusing on missed topics.
- Check remaining application or exam-registration steps with Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department.
Practice for the Illinois exam
Free sample: 20 questions with explanations and source quotes (not a full-length timed exam). Want more? Unlock the full bank of 168.
Start free Illinois test (20 questions) See the full bank
Ready for a full sitting? Take the free 50-question timed practice exam (60 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
Does Illinois require a notary exam?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, first-time and renewing applicants must complete an approved course of study and pass an exam, with limited exemptions for renewing attorneys, judges and certain court or attorney employees.
How long is the Illinois notary course?
At least 3 hours (180 minutes) of instruction, completed within 30 days.
How much does an Illinois notary commission cost?
The application fee is $15, or $40 with an electronic notary commission. You also need a $5,000 bond.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. These are original practice questions written from the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and the Notary Public Act. They are not actual exam questions.
Next steps after you pass
Bond, seal, journal and other things to set up once you are commissioned: after you’re commissioned in Illinois.
Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state agency, exam vendor or course provider. All questions are original practice questions written from official public sources; they are not actual exam questions. Laws and fees change, so confirm details with the official source before you rely on them. Official sources: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (PDF), 5 ILCS 312 Illinois Notary Public Act, 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.205 (course and exam).
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