How to Become a Notary in Illinois (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Illinois notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Illinois state sources.
Notary Fees & RON Guide — All 50 States
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON availability map — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in Illinois — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Illinois or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
Illinois requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Fees vary by provider, usually $20–$80.
Obtain your $5,000 surety bond
Illinois requires a $5,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $15 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Illinois notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Illinois: $45.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Illinois. Traditional notary fees in Illinois: up to $5 per act (state-capped). Illinois also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Illinois Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Illinois. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Illinois Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $15 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $5,000 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$45 |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $100–$240 |
Traditional notary: $15 fee. Electronic notary endorsement: $40 fee. State-approved education course required before commissioning.
Source: Secretary of State — Official Illinois Notary Page ↗
What Can a Illinois Notary Charge?
Illinois caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $5 per act in-person; $25 for RON.
Source: Illinois Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Illinois Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Illinois notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.