Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$5,000
Application Fee
$15
Issuing Authority
Illinois Secretary of State
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Illinois distinctive
- Illinois permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Illinois's $15 application fee is among the lowest in the country (national median is $30).
- Illinois requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Illinois authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Journal mandatory for ALL notaries since June 5, 2023
- Higher bond requirement for electronic/RON notaries ($30,000 vs $5,000)
- RON authorized effective January 1, 2024 via Senate Bill 2664
- Copy certification NOT authorized (major difference from some states) - only attorneys may certify copies
- Marriage solemnization NOT authorized (unlike FL, TN, SC, ME, MT)
Regulatory Authority
Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
5 ILCS 312/
Illinois Notary Public Act
Primary statutory authority for IL notaries
5 ILCS 312/2-101
Qualifications for Commission
Eligibility and residency requirements
5 ILCS 312/2-102
Bond Requirements
$5,000 traditional, $30,000 electronic/remote
5 ILCS 312/3-101
Notarial Acts - General
Seal and journal requirements
5 ILCS 312/3-102
Electronic and Remote Notarization
Authorization for electronic and RON
5 ILCS 312/3-103
Authorized Notarial Acts
Types of notarial acts, prohibitions
5 ILCS 312/3-104
Notary Fees
Maximum fee schedule, receipt requirements
5 ILCS 312/6-105
Notarial Certificates
Certificate requirements and wording
14 Ill. Admin. Code Part 176
Administrative Rules for Notaries Public
Detailed regulations for notary practices
14 Ill. Admin. Code 176.835
Standards for Identity Verification
Identity verification methods (effective January 1, 2025)
14 Ill. Admin. Code 176.900
Journal Requirements
Mandatory journal requirements since June 5, 2023
Senate Bill 2664
RON Authorization
Authorized RON effective January 1, 2024
750 ILCS 5/209
Marriage Solemnization
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
810 ILCS 5/3-505
UCC Article 3 - Protests
Protest procedures for negotiable instruments
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Illinois?
A Illinois notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Illinois?
Illinois charges $15 as the application fee to the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Illinois require a notary bond?
Yes. Illinois requires a notary surety bond of $5,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department.
Can Illinois notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Illinois authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Illinois notaries use?
Illinois notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge and Government-Issued ID. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Illinois cap notary fees?
Yes. Illinois sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum fees set by statute; must provide itemized receipt; notarial fees must appear separately from other charges
Who regulates notaries in Illinois?
Illinois notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Illinois authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Illinois authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Illinois notaries perform?
Illinois notaries are authorized to perform 10 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Illinois?
Start your application through the Illinois Secretary of State - Index Department.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
Get the Full Illinois Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.