Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Notary Public in Illinois
Eligibility Requirements
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You must be at least 18 years old.
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You must be a resident of Illinois or a resident of a qualifying bordering state that works in Illinois.
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You must be able to read and write English.
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You must not have been convicted of a felony.
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You must not have had a notary commission revoked or suspended in the past ten years.
Complete the Application
Obtain the Notary Public Application from the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.
Fill out the application completely and accurately.
Link to Application:
[Notary Public Application] (https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/register/notary.html)
Acquire a Surety Bond
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Obtain a $5,000 surety bond from an insurance or bonding company.
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The bond must be valid for the four-year term of the notary commission.
Submit the Application
Mail the completed application, along with the surety bond and a $15 filing fee, to:
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Office of the Secretary of State
Index Department
111 E. Monroe St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Receive Commission
After processing, you will receive your notary public commission certificate from the Secretary of State.
Obtain Notary Supplies
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Purchase a notary seal or stamp that meets Illinois requirements.
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Acquire a notary journal to record all notarial acts.
Take the Oath of Office
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You must take the oath of office as indicated on the commission certificate.
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The oath must be taken before a person authorized to administer oaths in Illinois.
File the Oath and Bond
File the completed oath of office and the notary bond with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is located within 30 days of the commission issuance date.
Start Performing Notarial Acts
Once all steps are completed, you can begin performing notarial acts as an official notary public in Illinois.
Additional Resources:
Illinois Notary Public Handbook:
[Notary Public Handbook] (https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/ipub161.pdf)
Illinois Secretary of State - Notary Division:
[Illinois Secretary of State Notary Division] (https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/register/notary.html)