Illinois Notary Application (2026): What to Have Ready, What to Submit, and What Happens Next

Online is required

Paper only with a hardship exemption.

“If you're an Illinois resident applying to be a Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public, you must complete your application online. However, if you qualify for a hardship exemption, you can opt for a paper application.”

Source: Illinois Secretary of State: Notary Services

Course

Proof that you completed the required course.

“that the applicant has provided satisfactory proof to the Secretary of State that the applicant has successfully completed any required course of study on notarization”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Bond

$5,000, 4-year term, from a surety company.

“Every application for appointment and commission as a notary public shall be accompanied by or logically associated with an executed bond commencing on the date of the appointment with a term of 4 years, in the sum of $5,000, with, as surety thereon, a company qualified to write surety bonds in this State.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Your name and address

Exactly as on your driver's license or state ID.

“the applicant’s official name, as it appears on his or her current driver’s license or state-issued identification card”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

“The driver’s license/state ID card name and address must match the home address listed on the application.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Fee

$15; $40 with electronic notary; $25 to add e-notary later.

“The following filing fees apply: $15 if filing for Notary Public only, $40 if applying for Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public and $25 if adding Electronic Notary Public to an existing active Notary Public commission.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Oath

Affirmed electronically online; before an officer on paper.

“In the event that the applicant completes an online application for appointment and commission as a notary public, he or she shall affirm the oath electronically.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

“In the event that the applicant completes a paper application for appointment and commission as a notary public, he or she shall take the oath in the presence of a person qualified to administer an oath in this State.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Common delays

Incomplete address, copied signatures.

“Incomplete home address information, including apartment number or ZIP Code, for example.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

“All signatures on the application must be original”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Confirmation email

Sent as soon as the online application is received.

“Immediately upon receiving a completed online application, the online system shall send by electronic mail a confirmation notice that the application has been received.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

Track approval

Notary Search on the SOS website.

“You may track approval by visiting the Notary Search page on the Secretary of State’s website”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312

When you can start

Approved, recorded with the county clerk, seal in hand.

“An appointed Notary Public may begin notarizing documents upon the approval of the commission by the Illinois Secretary of State and the commission has been recorded with the county clerk and the official notary public seal has been received.”

Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312