Illinois residents who want to become a notary public are now able to apply for their commission online. But there's more to the application than filling out a form.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the entire process. Plus, we'll explain how we can help simplify your application with our comprehensive Illinois Notary Package.
The time it takes to become a notary public can vary based on how quickly you complete each step of the process. It can take between one and three weeks from start to finish, depending on factors like how soon you complete the required education course and your application.
After submitting your application, it usually takes the Secretary of State a few business days to process and approve it. Once approved, you will receive your commission. Then, you can obtain your required notary supplies like a stamp and journal.
The path to becoming a notary public may seem overwhelming at first, but by breaking the process down into five steps, it becomes much more manageable. Each step is important, and by following them in order, you'll be on your way to receiving your notary commission in the Prairie State.
Before you start your online application, check every eligibility requirement. To become commissioned, applicants must meet certain qualifications.
To get your notary public commission in Illinois, you must:
Non-resident applicants must reside in a qualifying border state, which includes Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin. They must also have worked for or maintained a business with a physical Illinois address for at least 30 days before applying.
All notaries need a four-year surety bond that is worth at least $5,000. The bond protects the public from financial loss caused by notarization mistakes.
As a state-approved bonding agency, we include the required bond in our state notary package. After you purchase our package, we'll send you a completed copy of the state's bond form.
If you want to become a remote online notary or perform electronic notarizations, you need a $30,000 bond.
If you're interested in additional liability protection, consider purchasing an errors and omissions insurance policy. It's different from a bond and can save you from paying out-of-pocket legal fees. Learn more about our affordable policies here.
Before submitting your signed bond to the state, you must complete the three-hour Notary Public Course of Study to help you prepare to successfully perform your duties.
There is also a 50-question exam that requires a score of at least 85% to pass. We recommend that you download and review the Illinois Notary Public Handbook to prepare for the exam.
The Secretary of State's website has a list of approved course providers. Our notary package includes access to the required course and the certificate of completion that you need for the application.
Start your online application on the Secretary of State website. You'll need to enter your personal information and upload electronic copies of the course completion certificate and the completed bond form (I 264). You will also need to pay a fee and electronically affirm the oath of office.
Once you submit your application, the Secretary of State will send an email confirmation and let you know if the personal information you provided matches their records. When your application is approved, you will get an email that contains your unique commission number. You'll need this number to get your stamp.
Non-resident applicants who live in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin must complete a different application.
When you purchase our complete notary package, you get everything you need for your new commission term. It includes:
We cannot manufacture your custom stamp until you send a copy of your commission certificate to info@notaries.com.
The Illinois Notary Public Act requires all seals to include the following information:
Once we receive a copy of your commission, we will manufacture and ship your stamp to you within seven to 10 business days.
Now that you have all of the application details, why not get started from the comfort of home? Our all-in-one package is a fast and easy way to start establishing your new career.
Click here and select Become a Notary to go from an aspiring applicant to an important individual in your community.
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