How to Become a Notary in Illinois (2026): Requirements and Steps
Illinois requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, 30 days of Illinois residence (or a qualifying non-resident job), age 18+, English proficiency, no felony, an approved course with its exam, and a $5,000 bond. Residents apply online; commissions run 4 years.
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Illinois notary requirements
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
|---|---|
| Residence | 30 days in Illinois, or a qualifying non-resident |
| Age | At least 18 |
| English | Proficient |
| Record | No felony; no prior revocation |
| Bond | $5,000 ($30,000 for remote notarization) |
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
“Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence”
Residence
30 days in Illinois, or a qualifying non-resident.
“Be a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days or qualify as a Non-Resident”
Age
At least 18.
“Be at least 18 years of age”
English
Proficient.
“Be proficient in English”
Record
No felony; no prior revocation.
“Have not been convicted of a felony”
Source: Illinois Secretary of State: Notary Services
“Have not had a prior application or commission revoked due to a finding or decision by the Secretary of State”
Bond
$5,000 ($30,000 for remote notarization).
“Get a notary bond valued at $5,000 (regular notary) or $30,000 (Remote Notarization by Audio-Video Communication) from a bonding or surety company or remote electronic notarization”
Steps to become a notary in Illinois
| 1. Complete an approved course and pass its exam | 50 questions, 85% to pass |
|---|---|
| 2. Get your bond | From a surety company |
| 3. Apply online | Illinois residents must apply online |
| 4. Get your seal, then start | After the commission is approved |
1. Complete an approved course and pass its exam
50 questions, 85% to pass.
“complete any course of study on notarization and electronic notarization that is required by the Secretary of State; and 2) pass an examination at the completion of the course.”
Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312
“which shall consist of 50 questions from a test bank of a minimum of 100 questions.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
“in no event may more than one-half of the questions be true/false.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
“A student must score at least 85% on the final examination.”
Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.235 (Course completion and final examination)
2. Get your bond
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”
Source: Illinois Notary Public Handbook (I PUB 16), quoting 5 ILCS 312
3. Apply online
Illinois residents must apply online.
“If you're an Illinois resident applying to be a Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public, you must complete your application online.”
4. Get your seal, then start
After the commission is approved.
“You can start notarizing documents once we have approved your commission and you have your official notary seal.”
Renewing and keeping your commission
| Term | 4 years (1 year for non-residents) |
|---|---|
| Renewal | Notice about 60 days before expiry; renew online |
| No grace period | Stop notarizing at expiry |
Term
4 years (1 year for non-residents).
“Illinois notaries are commissioned for 4 years. Non-resident notaries are commissioned for 1 year.”
Renewal
Notice about 60 days before expiry; renew online.
“Our office will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your appointment expires. You can renew your notary appointment online.”
No grace period
Stop notarizing at expiry.
“No, you can't notarize any documents once your appointment has expired. There's no grace period.”
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to become a notary in Illinois?
Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; Residence: 30 days in Illinois, or a qualifying non-resident; Age: At least 18; English: Proficient; Record: No felony; no prior revocation; Bond: $5,000 ($30,000 for remote notarization). Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What are the steps to become a notary in Illinois?
1. Complete an approved course and pass its exam: 50 questions, 85% to pass; 2. Get your bond: From a surety company; 3. Apply online: Illinois residents must apply online; 4. Get your seal, then start: After the commission is approved. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Related: Illinois exam guide · Illinois Notary Fees · Illinois Notary Renewal · Illinois Notary Application · Illinois Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements · Illinois exam facts: passing score, cost, retakes · After you’re commissioned in Illinois
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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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