Becoming a notary public in Illinois is a fantastic way to serve your community, enhance your professional credentials, and even start a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to add value to your current job or branch out into new opportunities, the process is straightforward-if you know the steps! Here’s your comprehensive guide to becoming a notary public in Illinois.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you start, make sure you meet the following requirements:
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Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
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Residency: You must live in Illinois, or in a bordering state if you work in Illinois.
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Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
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Language: You need to be able to read and write English.
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Criminal Record: You cannot have a felony conviction or have had a notary commission revoked in the past 10 years.
Step 2: Complete the Required Training
As of 2023, Illinois requires all new and renewing notary applicants to complete a three-hour notary training course. This course covers:
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Notary laws and procedures
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Ethical responsibilities
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Best practices for record-keeping
After the course, you’ll need to pass an exam and receive a certificate of completion. Many state-approved providers offer these courses online, making it convenient to fit into your schedule.
Step 3: Obtain a Notary Bond
Illinois law requires notaries to purchase a four-year, $5,000 surety bond. This bond protects the public from any errors or misconduct on your part. If you plan to perform remote or electronic notarizations, you’ll need a $30,000 bond. You can obtain a bond from most insurance agencies or specialized notary bonding companies.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
With your training certificate and bond in hand, you’re ready to apply! Here’s what you’ll need:
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Completed application form (available online through the Illinois Secretary of State)
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Proof of training completion
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Notary bond
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Application fee (currently $15 for traditional notaries; higher for electronic notaries)
The application process is now fully online, making it faster and easier than ever.
Step 5: Receive Your Commission
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your official notary commission certificate by email. This document is your license to perform notarial acts in Illinois for four years.
Step 6: Get Your Notary Supplies
Before you start notarizing, you’ll need:
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An official notary stamp or seal (must include your name, “Notary Public, State of Illinois,” and your commission expiration date)
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A notary record journal (to log every notarial act, which is required by law)
Step 7: Start Notarizing!
You’re now ready to provide notary services! You can notarize documents for individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Illinois. Many notaries work in banks, law offices, real estate agencies, or run their own mobile notary businesses.
Pro Tips for New Illinois Notaries
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Stay Up to Date: Notary laws can change. Subscribe to updates from the Illinois Secretary of State or join a professional notary association.
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Protect Yourself: Always verify identities carefully and keep your journal current.
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Grow Your Business: Consider offering mobile or remote notary services for extra income and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a notary public in Illinois is more than just a credential-it’s a chance to help people with life’s important moments, from buying homes to starting businesses. The process is manageable, and the rewards are both personal and professional.
Are you ready to take the next step? Visit Notary2Notary.com now to start learning.
Start your notary journey today and make a difference in your community!