How to Become a Notary in Illinois

In Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and have completed a notary public education course to become a notary.

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Introduction

A notary public is a person who is authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. Notaries are often used in real estate transactions, but they can also be used in situations such as estate planning and loan closings.

If you live in Illinois and you want to become a notary, you must first meet the state’s eligibility requirements. Once you have met those requirements, you must submit an application to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office and pay the required fee. After your application has been approved, you will be issued a commission as a notary public.

The first step: take a six-hour notary course

If you plan on becoming a notary in the state of Illinois, the first step is to take a six-hour notary course. This can be done either in-person or online, and there are many different providers to choose from. Once you have completed the course, you will need to pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher.

After that, you will need to submit an application to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, along with a $75 filing fee. Your application will need to be signed by a surety bond company, and you will also need to provide proof of completion of the notary course. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a commission certificate, which is valid for four years.

As a notary in Illinois, you will be responsible for handling many different types of documents, such as birth certificates, affidavits, and power of attorney forms. You will need to maintain accurate records of all the documents you notarize, as well as keep your commission certificate and bond information up to date. It is important to remember that as a notary, you are a public servant and are expected to act in a professional and ethical manner at all times.

The second step: pass the notary exam

After you have completed the six-hour notary public education course, you must pass an exam administered by a licensed provider. The passing score for the exam is 75%. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit your passing score report, along with your application and other required documents, to the Illinois Secretary of State.

The third step: apply for a notary commission with the Illinois Secretary of State

To become a notary in Illinois, you must first complete an approved notary education course. Next, you must pass a written exam administered by either the Secretary of State’s office or a licensed provider of notary education courses. Finally, you must apply for a notary commission with the Illinois Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State’s office provides two options for taking the written exam:
-You can take the exam at a Secretary of State Drivers Services facility when you renew or apply for your driver’s license or ID card. The exam is free of charge.
-You can also take the exam through a licensed provider of notary education courses. There is a fee for this option, and you can find a list of licensed providers on the Secretary of State’s website.

Once you have passed the written exam, you can submit your application for a notary commission online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State Drivers Services facility. There is a fee for the notary commission, which is valid for four years.

The fourth step: purchase a notary bond

In order to become a notary in Illinois, you must purchase a notary bond in the amount of $5,000. The bond must be issued by a surety company that is licensed to do business in Illinois. The bond must be filed with the Secretary of State along with your notary application.

The fifth step: purchase a notary errors and omissions policy

You are now ready to purchase a notary errors and omissions policy. This insurance is designed to protect you from liability in the event that you make a mistake while performing your duties as a notary. You can purchase this insurance from a variety of providers, and the cost will vary depending on the amount of coverage you select.

Once you have your policy in place, you will need to keep it up to date. Most policies require that you renew them every one to two years, and you will need to maintain proof of coverage. You should also keep your policy number on hand, as you will need to provide it to the Secretary of State’s office when you file your notary bond.

The sixth step: complete the notary public registration form

You will need to complete the notary public registration form and submit it to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county where you reside. You will also need to pay a $50 registration fee. Once your form and fee have been processed, you will be issued a Certificate of Appointment from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

Conclusion

You must follow all of the steps outlined in this guide in order to become a notary in Illinois. Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will be able to apply for your notary commission and begin serving the public.