How to Become An Online Notary in Illinois

As of January 1, 2024, new Illinois Notary laws have come into effect, allowing for individuals to apply to notarize electronic documents remotely by means of audio-visual communication. To become a Remote Online Notary in the state of Illinois you can follow the steps below:

Hold a commission as a traditional Notary Public (or apply for both commissions simultaneously).
Successfully complete and pass the state-required training and exam.
Contract or sign up with an Electronic Notarization System Provider (such as BlueNotary).
Take the oath of office.
Adjust your surety bond amount to $30,000. You will also need to fill out form I 263 or I 264 (Notary Public Bond), signed and certified by a qualified bond company.

Complete and submit the application form, including your:

oath
course completion certificate
a copy of your electronic seal and signature
a legible photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID card
form I 263 or I264
$15 application filing fee.

(Starting August 1, 2024, Illinois residents applying to be Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public are required to use their online application.)

You must comply with any additional requirements set by the Secretary of State.

Click here for more details on How to Become an Online Notary in Illinois

Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Illinois and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!

How to Become a Traditional Notary in Illinois (Get your Notary Commission)

Individuals aspiring to become a Notary in Illinois are required to navigate through the following streamlined process:

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria in Illinois (see below).
Familiarize yourself with the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and the state’s Notary Laws.
Enroll in a Notary training course and successfully pass the exam (this requirement begins on January 1, 2024).
Complete the upper section of the application for Illinois Notary status.
Participate in the oath of office ceremony, which requires collaboration with a currently commissioned Illinois Notary.
Procure a $5,000 surety bond from a bonding company authorized to operate in Illinois, and have them complete the bond section of your Notary application.
Make photocopies of both the front and back of your driver’s license or state ID card.
Submit your application along with a copy of your ID and the $15 application fee.
Await your commission from the state.
Purchase the necessary Notary seal, journal, and other essential supplies. Please note that if you indicate “yes” on the application form regarding your intention to provide remote notarization services, the bond amount increases to $30,000.

Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Illinois.

Requirements to Become a Notary Public in Illinois

There are several qualifications for a person to become an Illinois Notary. You must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a citizen of or lawful permanent resident in the U.S.
Live or work in Illinois for a minimum of 30 days prior to applying
Be able to read and write in English
Not be convicted of a felony
Not have a previous Notary commission revoked
For further details, consult the Illinois Notary Handbook or the Illinois SoS Website.

Updated on: 18/06/2024