Get Your Illinois Notary Bond
Three bond tiers — choose yours
Illinois Notary BondThree Tiers: $5K / $25K / $30K
Illinois overhauled its notary laws effective January 1, 2024 (Public Act 102-0160). New mandatory education, an 85% exam pass rate, mandatory journals, and three bond tiers based on notarization type. Most competitor sites haven't updated — this page reflects current law per 5 ILCS 312/2-105. Learn what a surety bond is or read how to get one.
Guaranteed: no payment until issued — instant approval once you order
Three Bond Tiers — Choose Yours
Illinois is one of the few states with tiered bond requirements based on notarization type. For broader context on bond pricing, see our surety bond cost guide or try our notary bond cost calculator. Compare neighboring states: Michigan ($10,000, 6–7 year birthday rule) and Ohio ($25,000 bond only for e-estate planning).
Illinois Notary Bond Tiers
Traditional (In-Person)
$5,000
Paper document notarizations with signers physically present
Electronic Only
$25,000
Add electronic notarization to an existing $5K commission
Remote Online (RON)
$30,000
Full electronic + remote audio-video notarization capability
The 2024 Illinois Notary Reform
Public Act 102-0160 (Senate Bill 2664), signed July 23, 2021, with administrative rules adopted June 2023, took full effect January 1, 2024. Source: Illinois General Assembly. See our 2025–2026 state bond law changes for other states undergoing similar reforms.
Education & Exam (New)
3-hour mandatory course from SOS-approved providers. Covers notary duties, legal requirements, electronic notarization, and journal-keeping.
50-question final exam: Minimum passing score of 85% — significantly harder than most states. Maximum 3 attempts; failing all 3 requires retaking the full course.
Mandatory Journal (New)
Every notary must record each act at the time of notarization. Paper or electronic format.
Required entries: Date, time, type of act, document description, signer name & signature, identification method (type, issuer, number), fee charged.
Attorney exemption: Attorneys/law firms maintaining copies are exempt for employment notarizations.
Source: Ill. Admin. Code §176.900-910
New Seal Specifications
Shape: Rectangular only — no embossers
Size: Maximum 1″ high × 2.5″ wide
Border: Serrated or milled edge
Ink: Black only (must be photographically reproducible)
Must display: “Official Seal,” name, “Notary Public,” “State of Illinois,” commission number, expiration
Online Applications (Aug 2024)
Since August 1, 2024, IL residents must apply online at apps.ilsos.gov/notary/.
Processing: 1-3 business days (vs 4-6 weeks paper).
Paper exceptions: Hardship only — 217-782-7017 or enotary@ilsos.gov.
Source: SOS press release, July 2024
Non-Resident Eligibility
Illinois commissions non-residents from bordering states per 5 ILCS 312/2-102:
- Must reside in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, or Wisconsin
- Must work in Illinois for 30+ days with physical IL address
- Must submit paper application (online is IL residents only)
- Commission term: 1 year (not 4)
- Same education and exam requirements apply
Compare: Indiana ($25K, 8-year term), Missouri ($10K), Kentucky ($1K), Wisconsin ($500), Iowa (no bond required). See all states on the notary bonds hub.
Fee Schedule for Notarial Acts
Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-104. Itemized receipts required.
Bond Solicitation Warning
5 ILCS 312/2-105 prohibits bond solicitations more than 60 days before commission expiration. Any solicitation must include in bold-face type at least 1/4 inch high: “WE ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.”
Official Illinois Requirements
"Every applicant for appointment and commission as a notary public shall post with the Secretary of State a surety bond in the penal sum of $5,000."Illinois Secretary of State • 5 ILCS 312/2-105
Get Your Illinois Notary Bond
$5K traditional, $25K electronic, or $30K RON — instant approval, download in minutes.
Get Your Bond NowEligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
- 18 years of age or older
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident
- Illinois resident 30+ days (or bordering-state worker)
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- No prior commission revoked by the SOS
- No felony conviction
- Sound moral character
- Completed 3-hour course and passed 85% exam
Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-102
Revocation Triggers
The SOS may revoke a commission for conviction of:
- • Any felony
- • Certain misdemeanors (Criminal Code Articles 16-19, 21, 31-33)
- • Official misconduct under the Notary Public Act
Automatic revocation: Business offense conviction involving the Notary Public Act = immediate revocation on final judgment date.
See all surety bond types or learn what a surety bond is. Check requirements for all states. Read how a bond differs from insurance or compare a bond vs. a cash deposit. Illinois professionals may also need an Illinois auto dealer bond or a Illinois contractor license bond.
How Much Does an Illinois Notary Bond Cost?
Illinois notary bond premiums depend on which tier you need and your credit profile. Most applicants pay a small fraction of the bond face value for the full 4-year term. Illinois professionals can purchase notary and other bonds through our licensed surety bond marketplace.
Typical 4-year premium for good credit. Most in-person notaries pay at the low end.
Add-on to existing $5K commission. Covers electronic notarization capability.
Full electronic + remote notarization capability for the 4-year term.
Use our notary bond cost calculator for a precise estimate, or see our full surety bond cost guide.
Renewing Your Illinois Notary Bond
Illinois notary commissions run 4 years for residents (1 year for non-residents). Your bond must cover the full commission term. Renewal follows the same process as your original application — including the 3-hour education course and 85% exam.
What You Need to Renew
- Complete the 3-hour SOS-approved education course again
- Pass the 50-question exam with 85% or higher
- Purchase a new bond (same tier as your commission type)
- Apply online at apps.ilsos.gov/notary/ (IL residents)
- Pay the $15 application fee ($25 or $40 for electronic/RON tiers)
Bond Solicitation Rules
Illinois law (5 ILCS 312/2-105) prohibits bond solicitations more than 60 days before your commission expiration. Any renewal solicitation must prominently state the company is not a government agency. Plan to renew within this window to avoid gaps in coverage.
Illinois Notary Bond vs. E&O Insurance
Illinois requires a surety bond but not Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Understanding the difference matters for your professional protection.
Notary Bond — Protects the Public
Your $5,000 (or $25K/$30K) surety bond protects signers and third parties harmed by your notarial errors or misconduct. If a claim is paid out, the surety can seek repayment from you personally. The bond satisfies Illinois law (5 ILCS 312/2-105).
E&O Insurance — Protects the Notary
E&O insurance covers your own legal defense costs and damages from honest mistakes. Illinois does not require it, but notaries who perform frequent or high-value acts often carry it. Read more about bond vs. insurance.
Learn more in our Learning Center, review the surety bond glossary, or follow our step-by-step guide to getting a surety bond. Check notary bond costs by state or use the notary bond calculator.
Illinois Notary Bond — Frequently Asked Questions
What changed for Illinois notaries in 2024?
Public Act 102-0160 (Senate Bill 2664) triggered the most comprehensive notary reform in Illinois history. Effective January 1, 2024: mandatory 3-hour education course and 50-question exam with 85% pass rate for all new and renewing notaries, mandatory journal for all notarial acts, new seal specifications (rectangular, black ink only), three bond tiers ($5K/$25K/$30K), and codified RON requirements.
Why are there three different Illinois notary bond amounts?
Illinois has three notarization types, each with its own bond: $5,000 for traditional in-person (5 ILCS 312/2-105), $25,000 for adding electronic-only notarization to an existing $5K commission, or $30,000 for combined remote online notarization. If you already have a $30,000 bond, you don't need a separate $25,000 bond.
Can non-residents get an Illinois notary commission?
Yes, but only residents of bordering states: Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, or Wisconsin. You must have a principal place of work or business in Illinois for at least 30 days, with a physical Illinois business address. Non-residents receive a 1-year commission (not 4 years) and must submit a paper application.
What is the new Illinois notary journal requirement?
Effective 2024, every notary must record each notarial act in a journal at the time of notarization. Required entries: date, time, type of act, document description, signer name and signature, identification method, and fee charged. Paper or electronic format. Attorneys/law firms maintaining document copies are exempt for employment notarizations.
What are the Illinois notary seal specifications?
Illinois requires a rectangular rubber stamp seal, maximum 1 inch by 2.5 inches, with a serrated or milled border. Black ink only. Must display: "Official Seal," your name, "Notary Public," "State of Illinois," commission number, and expiration date. No embossers allowed.
How fast are Illinois notary applications processed?
Since August 1, 2024, Illinois residents must apply online at apps.ilsos.gov/notary/. Online applications process in 1-3 business days. Paper applications (hardship only) took 4-6 weeks. Contact 217-782-7017 or enotary@ilsos.gov for hardship requests.
How much is a notary bond in Illinois?
Illinois has three bond tiers: the $5,000 traditional bond costs approximately $20-40, the $25,000 electronic bond costs $50-100, and the $30,000 combined RON bond costs $60-150 — all for the full 4-year term. You pay nothing until your bond is issued. Most traditional notaries pay under $40 total for their bond premium. See our surety bond cost guide at /surety-bond-cost/ for details.
Where do you purchase a notary bond in Illinois?
Purchase your Illinois notary bond online through a licensed surety provider like BuySuretyBonds.com for instant approval. The bond must be from a surety authorized to do business in Illinois per 5 ILCS 312/2-105. After purchasing, you upload your bond as part of your online application at apps.ilsos.gov/notary/. Choose the correct bond tier ($5K, $25K, or $30K) based on your notarization type.
Explore all 50-state notary bond requirements and see how Illinois compares to Michigan ($10K, birthday rule), Pennsylvania ($25K after March 2026), and Ohio (bond only for e-estate planning). See all types of surety bonds.
Official Illinois Sources
Illinois Notary Public Act
5 ILCS 312 — full statutory text
5 ILCS 312/2-105 (Bond)
Bond amount requirement
SOS Notary Services
Applications, forms, education
Online Application Portal
File your application (IL residents)
Form I-264 (Bond Form)
Official surety bond form
Admin Code §176 (Rules)
Exam, journal, seal specifications
Other Illinois Bonds
Additional surety bonds available in Illinois
Secure Your Illinois Notary Commission
$5K, $25K, or $30K bond • 2024 reform compliant • Instant approval