If you have questions regarding the application or process, please contact the Notary Public Division at 217-782-7017 or enotary@ilsos.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
To become a non-resident notary public, you must be a resident of a qualifying bordering state, which includes Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin. You must also have worked or maintained a business in Illinois for 30 days before this application.
You'll be approved as a notary public in Illinois in four to six weeks. Register to take our approved Illinois notary public study course and take the final examination. You must score 85 percent or better to pass the exam.
The State processing time, once submitted, is 4-6 weeks. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your notary public certificate from the State, and stamp(s) and supplies from us. Once you have your certificate in hand, you may use your new notary stamp and the process is complete.
Starting August 1, 2024, Illinois residents applying to be Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public must use our online application. Those who qualify for a hardship exemption can choose to use a paper application. For questions about this policy, please call 217-782-7017 or email enotary@ilsos.
UPDATE 12-8-23: Under a new law that took effect November 17, 2023, Illinois Notaries are not required to record a journal entry when notarizing the following election documents filed by or on behalf of a candidate for public office: nominating petitions; petitions of candidacy; petitions for nomination; nominating ...
Follow these simple steps to get your document notarized: Know what type of notarization you need. Make sure the document is complete. Bring acceptable identification. Ensure the name on your ID matches the name on your document. Have all signers present for the notarization. Be aware and willing to sign.