After You’re Commissioned in Illinois: Next Steps

You passed. Here is what to set up before and after you start notarizing in Illinois, from official sources.

Record your commission and get your seal

You may begin notarizing only after the commission is approved, recorded with the county clerk, and your official seal is received. The seal is a rubber stamp in black ink with a serrated or milled border (max 1" x 2.5") showing “Official Seal,” your name, “Notary Public, State of Illinois,” your commission number and expiration date.

Keep a journal

Illinois requires a journal of each notarial act. The handbook says to retain it at least seven years after the last act it records. It belongs to you, not your employer. Report a lost or stolen journal within 10 business days.

Bond, and consider E&O insurance

Your $5,000 bond ($30,000 for remote or electronic) protects the public. You and your surety are liable for damages from misconduct, so optional E&O insurance protects you.

Report changes within 30 days

Report a change of name, address or email to the Index Department in writing within 30 days. Otherwise the commission ceases. If you move to another county or change your name, you must resign and reapply.

Fees

Charge at most $5 per in-person act and up to $25 per remote or electronic act, and give itemized receipts.

Loan signing as a side income

Some notaries also work as notary signing agents, handling loan document signings for title, escrow and signing companies. Those companies set their own requirements, often including a background check, E&O insurance and sometimes a private certification. Those come on top of your state commission and are not state rules. Demand and pay vary widely by area, and in some places attorneys traditionally handle real estate closings. The notarial fee itself is still capped by Illinois law, so check Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department guidance before charging any travel or service fees.

Keep studying the rules

The full question bank is a good refresher on fees, journal rules and prohibited acts before your first notarization.