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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Illinois issues a traditional notary public commission and a separate electronic notary public commission. Remote notarization by audio-video communication and electronic notarization of electronic records are authorized after you complete the SOS process, including the required course of study and qualifying examination for an electronic commission.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of State’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as an Illinois notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: Illinois SOS Notary Application
Illinois residents apply online unless they qualify for a hardship paper application. You may apply for notary only, notary plus electronic notary, or add electronic notary to an active commission.
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Read the official Notary Services page |
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Apply online if you are an Illinois resident Use the SOS application linked from Notary Services. Hardship paper applications: call 217-782-7017 or email [email protected]. |
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If you already hold an Illinois commission, add electronic notary An existing active notary can apply to add electronic notary services. New applicants who want electronic acts apply for both commissions. |
Part 1: Traditional Illinois Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Illinois notary public commission. You still need the electronic commission (and the correct bond) before remote electronic acts.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Notary Services and Illinois Notary Public Handbook. The term is four years. |
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Complete traditional notary education Follow the course of study and examination rules that apply to your application type. Confirm current course length, passing score, and provider list on the SOS Notary Services page. |
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Obtain a surety bond Traditional in-person only: $5,000. If you will perform notarizations remotely or electronically by audio-video communication: $25,000 in addition, or one combined $30,000 bond (5 ILCS 312/2-105). |
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Submit the traditional application Residents file online. The handbook lists $15 for Notary Public only, $40 for Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public together, and $25 to add Electronic Notary Public to an active commission. |
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Receive your commission The Secretary of State issues a unique commission number when requirements are met. Follow any seal and oath instructions in the handbook. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Before an electronic notarial act using audio-video communication, you must hold an electronic notary public commission and identify SOS-approved technology. Name each Electronic Notarization System Provider on the application and provide a copy of your electronic signature from each provider.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Notary Services, Illinois Notary Public Handbook, and 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176. |
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Complete online notary education Complete the required course of study and pass the qualifying exam through an SOS-accepted provider. Course tuition is paid to the provider, not listed as a separate SOS class fee in the handbook fee table. |
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Start the online commission application Apply for Electronic Notary Public (with a new notary commission, or added to an active commission) through Notary Services. |
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Sign with a digital certificate List each approved Electronic Notarization System Provider and attach the electronic signature copy from each. |
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Upload your electronic seal Provide seal and signature evidence as the online application instructs. |
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Pay and submit Electronic notary application fee is $25 in addition to the $15 notary fee when filed together ($40 total), or $25 to add electronic notary later. Confirm on the current application. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not let the traditional commission lapse. Electronic notary authority is tied to remaining a commissioned Illinois notary public.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of State
Application amounts are from Illinois Notary Public Handbook. Confirm them on Notary Services before you pay. Education is paid to an approved provider. Bond premiums are paid to the surety.
| Item | SOS fee |
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| Required course of study / exam | Paid to an SOS-accepted education provider (not listed as an SOS class dollar amount in the handbook fee table) |
| Notary Public application | $15 |
| Electronic Notary Public (with notary, or added later) | $40 combined, or $25 to add electronic notary |
| Surety bond | $5,000 traditional only, or $30,000 combined if remote/electronic audio-video acts |
Official Illinois Links
| Resource | Where to go |
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| Notary Services | ilsos.gov/departments/index/notary |
| Notary Public Handbook | ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/ipub16.pdf |
| Electronic notary questions | (217) 782-7017 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. If you are not already a notary, apply for Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public together. An existing notary adds electronic notary to the active commission.
Q: Does Illinois approve a list of RON platforms?
A: Yes. Use an Electronic Notarization System Provider certified by the Secretary of State. The office does not endorse one provider over others.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Services and Illinois Notary Public Handbook.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
