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Welcome to Notary Public 101

Here, you can learn how to become a notary, how to renew your notary commission, and where to find educational opportunities for notaries public.

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Become a Notary in Illinois

Find a Notary Class in Illinois

Begin Notary Public 101

In most states, becoming a notary public involves meeting a number of requirements. Generally, you must be 18 years of age, not have a serious criminal history, and successfully complete an application process. In some states, the notary application process will require notary education (ranging from a simple online course to a notary class and competency exam) and a background check, as well as the purchase of a surety bond. A more thorough explanation for your state is described below.

Become an Illinois notary public with Notary Rotary, Inc.

Qualifications:

To become a commissioned Illinois notary public you must meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence
Be a resident of the State of Illinois for at least 30 days or employed in the state of Illinois for at least 30 days
Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to read and write the English language
Have not been convicted of a felony
Have not had a notary commission revoked during the past ten years

The Secretary of State appoints Illinois residents as notaries for a term of four (4) years. Out-of-state residents are appointed for a one-year term. For additional information, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State Notary Public web site.

Step 1: Download and complete the Illinois notary public application

The Illinois notary public application and bond form is available for download here: Illinois Notary Public Application

Complete the application according to the instructions. You may print the application and complete it or you may fill it out online and then print.

Step 2: Order the $5,000 Illinois notary bond and application form from Notary Rotary

The application is also available online from Notary Rotary in Illinois Notary Supplies. To order, enter the required information, scroll through the product page to locate the official surety bond and application form. Included with your bond and application form is a redeemable voucher for a notary errors and omissions insurance policy. Follow the instructions through checkout.

Step 3: Submit the completed application, surety bond and filing fee to the office of the Secretary of State, Index Department

The application includes detailed instructions. Please be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided.

You will need to contact a commissioned notary public in your area to witness and notarize your signature on the application. Notary Rotary's Find a Notary feature may be helpful in contacting a notary public. Simply click the link and enter your home ZIP code to find a list of notaries public in your area.

Submit your completed the application, surety bond and $10 filing fee to the following address:

Secretary of State, Department of Index
111 E. Monroe
Springfield, IL 62756

If the Secretary of State approves your application, your commission will be issued. Your commission will be mailed to the county clerk of the county in which you reside. The appointment is not complete until the commission is recorded with the county clerk. The recording with the county clerk may be done in person or by mail. The county clerk will notify you of the procedure (Sec. 2-106.)

After your commission is recorded with the county clerk and you have received it, you must then obtain an official seal.

Step 4: Order the official seal and any other notary supplies you may need from Notary Rotary, Inc.

If you are redeeming a voucher for Illinois notary errors and omissions insurance you will need to follow the instructions on the voucher. For all other supplies, visit the Notary Rotary Store. Enter all required information and scroll down to select your official Illinois notary stamp and any other supplies you may want to order.

There is no legal requirement in Illinois that a notary public keep a log book or journal. However, a notary may want to keep a journal for his or her own record keeping and protection should a notarial act ever be called into question. The Modern Journal of Notarial Events, offered in the Notary Rotary store, is a perfect example of an Illinois notay journal and was designed specifically for notaries public.

Follow the onscreen instructions through checkout and your supplies will be sent to you as soon as your order can be processed, usually within 2-3 days.

As soon as you receive your supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a commissioned notary public for the State of Illinois. You may perform notarial acts anywhere in the State of Illinois as long as you continue to reside or work in the county in which you were commissioned.

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