An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
The notary must then obtain an official seal and can perform notarial acts anywhere in the State of Illinois, as long as he or she continues to reside or work in the county in which he or she was commissioned.
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.
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.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
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.
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.
If you have questions regarding the application or process, please contact the Notary Public Division at 217-782-7017 or 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 ...
