How to Become a Notary Public in Illinois (Get your Notary Commission)
Individuals aspiring to become a Notary in Illinois are required to navigate through the following streamlined process:
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria in Illinois (see below).
- Familiarize yourself with the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and the state’s Notary Laws.
- Enroll in a Notary training course and successfully pass the exam (this requirement begins on January 1, 2024).
- Complete the upper section of the application to become an Illinois Notary.
- Participate in the oath of office ceremony, which requires collaboration with a currently commissioned Illinois Notary.
- Procure a $5,000* surety bond from a bonding company authorized to operate in Illinois, and have them complete the bond section of your Notary application.
- Make photocopies of both the front and back of your driver’s license or state ID card.
- Submit your application along with a copy of your ID and the $15 application fee.
- You will receive your commission from the state.
- You’ll need to purchase the necessary Notary seal, journal, and other essential supplies.
*Please note that if you indicate “yes” on the application form regarding your intention to provide remote notarization services, the bond amount increases to $30,000.
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Illinois.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in Illinois?
There are several qualifications for a person to become an Illinois Notary. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of or lawful permanent resident in the U.S.
- Live or work in Illinois for a minimum of 30 days prior to applying
- Be able to read and write in English
- Not be convicted of a felony
- Not have a previous Notary commission revoked
For further details, consult the Illinois Notary Handbook or the Illinois SoS Website.
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How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary in Illinois?
Becoming a Notary in Illinois entails varying expenses, influenced by your choices of training providers, bonds, seals, and journals. Initially, you’ll encounter a $15 application filing fee. Overall, your investment might span from $100 to several hundred dollars. Vigilance in assessing the fine print and product quality of your supplies is crucial; unforeseen fees, such as processing charges, might arise.
For those new to the Notary role, additional resources such as extra training, books, and expert guidance are invaluable assets, aiding in the mastery of your responsibilities.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Notary in Illinois?
Securing your Notary commission in Illinois typically unfolds over five to eight weeks, marking the duration from application to receipt of commission.
How Long is your Notary Commission Valid in Illinois?
Once granted, an Illinois Notary commission remains valid for a term of four years, necessitating renewal for continued service.
Becoming a Notary in Illinois: Eligibility, Training, and Supplies
Eligibility and Training
To embark on the Notary path, candidates must complete a 3-hour state-mandated training course, evidencing completion during the application phase. Additionally, aspiring Notaries are tasked with passing a comprehensive 50-question examination, achieving a minimum score of 85%.
Notary Supplies
Notaries must equip themselves with a seal stamp, adhering to specific size and design requirements, and ensuring it doesn’t bleed upon use. Quality and durability vary, so inquire about guarantees. A journal for notarization records, advocating for security features like tamper-proof binding, is also mandatory.
Bond and Insurance
A legal stipulation mandates a $5,000 four-year surety bond for traditional Notaries and a $30,000 bond for those performing remote notarizations, obtained from a qualified bonding company. While not obligatory, many opt for errors and omissions insurance for added legal expense protection.
Illinois Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
What State Government Office Is In Charge of Notaries?
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is responsible for issuing Notary commissions.
Do I Need Additional Training As A Notary in Illinois?
Diverse online training options are available, including courses by the BlueNotary. Selecting a reputable provider is key.
Where Will I Be Able to Notarize As An Illinois Notary?
Notarization can be conducted statewide.
Who Can I Notarize For?
Notaries can serve any individual presenting acceptable ID, with specific restrictions regarding personal involvement and client comprehension.
What are the Most Common Errors?
The most frequent mistakes include identification errors, omissions in administering oaths, and seal application failures.
Are Notaries At Risk legally?
While meticulous record-keeping can mitigate legal challenges, the risk of lawsuits, regardless of fault, remains.
How do I Renew My Notary Commission In Illinois?
Anticipate a renewal notice prior to commission expiration, and initiate the renewal process well in advance to prevent service interruptions.
Embarking on the Notary public path in Illinois is a commitment to responsibility, requiring careful consideration of costs, compliance with training and equipment standards, and an understanding of the legal and operational framework governing Notary services.
Are Online Notaries Legal In Illinois?
Yes, as of January 2022, Illinois has embraced the legality of Remote Online Notarization (RON) services for Notaries who hold the necessary commission for online notarization.
This enduring status for remote online notarization in Illinois was solidified by the enactment of Senate Bill 2664. To engage in remote online notarization within the state, Notaries are mandated to maintain an active traditional Notary commission, complete registration with the Secretary of State, and secure a $5,000 surety bond.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In Illinois?
Becoming an Online Notary in Illinois is a simple way to offer convenient and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Illinois?
Effective June 5, 2023, new Illinois Notary laws have come into effect, allowing notarization for electronic document signatures. The Secretary of State is in the process of establishing an application procedure for Electronic Notaries, along with an approval process for technology providers. To stay ahead of these changes and find out how you can become an Electronic Notary in Illinois, follow the steps below:
- Hold a commission as a traditional Notary Public (or apply for both commissions simultaneously).
- Successfully complete the state-required training and pass the exam (effective from January 1, 2024).
- Contract with technology systems approved by the state.
- Take the oath of office.
- Adjust your surety bond amount to $30,000.
- Complete and submit the application form, including your oath, course completion certificate, a copy of your electronic seal and signature, and the $25 application fee.
- Comply with any additional requirements set by the Secretary of State.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Illinois and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in Illinois
To venture into electronic notarizations in Illinois, you must either hold a traditional Notary Public Commission or apply to become an IL Notary. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, residing in the state of Illinois, or employed within the state while residing in a qualifying border state for a minimum of 30 days. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite. Applicants must not have felony convictions on their record or a prior Notary commission revocation or suspension within the last decade.
Illinois Notary Public FAQ’s
Training and Examination Requirements for Online Notaries
As of January 1, 2024, applicants pursuing an Electronic Notary commission in Illinois are obliged to complete a comprehensive 3-hour Notary Training Course. A subsequent 50-question Notary Exam must be successfully passed. The examination permits up to three attempts, each necessitating a minimum score of 85% for success. Failure on the third attempt results in examination failure.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in Illinois:
Prepare yourself with a computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection to embark on electronic notarizations. Acquire the following electronic components for your notarial endeavors: an electronic seal, an electronic journal, and a digital certificate housing your electronic signature. It’s crucial that your Electronic Notary seal mirrors the appearance of a traditional Notary seal, and that your digital certificate complies with the X.509 standards while remaining compatible with your chosen vendor.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
Remote Notaries must secure a separate $25,000 bond exclusively designated for notarizations involving digital documents. This bond amount augments the pre-existing $5,000 bond mandated for traditional notarial acts. In some cases, a unified bond totaling $30,000 may effectively cover both categories of notarizations.
E&O Insurance in Illinois
Although not obligatory, the acquisition of an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy is highly encouraged. This type of coverage serves to shield you, the Notary, in instances where inadvertent errors transpire during notarizations. Such protection can substantially mitigate the financial implications of potential legal disputes.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Illinois?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Illinois notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
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