How to Become a Notary in Illinois: A How-To Guide for Notary Signing Agents

Who can become an Illinois notary public?

• You must live in Illinois or a state that borders Illinois for at least the previous 30 days.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
• You must be able to read and write in English
• You must carefully read the state’s notary laws

What disqualifies you from being a notary in Illinois?

• You must not have had a notary public appointment revoked or suspended in the previous ten years.
• You must never have been convicted of a felony.

How to Apply For an Illinois Notary Commission

1. Complete the Illinois notary application.
2. Purchase a four-year $5,000 Illinois notary bond by an authorized surety bond company.
3. Sign the “Notarial Oath” section of the application in front of a current Illinois notary.
4. Mail your signed and notarized Illinois notary application to your bond company.
5. The surety bond company will complete the application and send it to the Illinois Secretary of State.
6. Once approved, the Illinois Secretary of State will mail you your Illinois notary public commission certificate.

Is there an exam to become a notary in Illinois?

No, there is no exam required to become an Illinois notary public. However, you must read the state’s laws and regulations.

Do you have to take a class to become a notary in Illinois?

No, a class is not required to become an Illinois notary public.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Illinois?

The first cost is the Illinois notary application fee of $15.

The $5,000 notary bond should cost between $40-$50 from a licensed bond or insurance company.

When selecting notary supplies, pricing can be contingent on the products you select. An ordinary notary stamp may cost around fifteen to twenty-five dollars, while a notary business journal could range from ten to fifty dollars. Furthermore, other tools such as writing implements, sticky notes or spare dye for your seal might also come in handy!

How to renew the notary public certificate in Illinois?

You will get a letter from the Secretary of State telling you that your appointment is almost over. This happens about 60 days before your appointment ends. If you want to be appointed for another term, there will be a preprinted application form that you can use the same way as your original application.

You will need to renew your surety bond and pay the $15 renewal fee.

Is remote notary legal in Illinois?

Absolutely! Illinois has legally permitted Remote Online Notarization (RON) services since January 2022, when Senate Bill 2664 was solidified. This means that notaries within the state are now officially certified to practice online notarization on a regular basis.

How do I become a remote notary in Illinois?

• Hold an existing Illinois Notary Public commission.
• Complete the state-required training and pass the exam.
• You must have a contract with a Remote Online Notary (RON) provider.
• Obtain a $25,000 surety bond in addition to the $5,000 surety bond required to be a traditional Illinois notary.
• Apply for registration with the Secretary of State and attach the tool you need to conduct Remote Online Notarization.

How much can I charge as a notary in Illinois?

Illinois notaries public can charge a maximum fee of $1 per notarial act. Remote Online Notarizations can be charged a fee of up to $25.

Which Illinois notary job makes the most money?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay of an Illinois notary is $51,105. According to the same site, the average annual pay of a notary who becomes a Notary Signing Agent is $89,479, with the highest being $167,333.¹

So that means that a notary who becomes a notary signing agent in Illinois can make the most money.

Can I become a Notary Signing Agent in Illinois?

Yes, you can become a Notary Signing Agent in Illinois. Before becoming a notary signing agent, you must obtain a valid notary commission.

How do I become an Illinois notary signing agent?

To become an Illinois Notary Signing Agent and handle loan documents, you must possess a valid notary commission. Although taking additional classes on loan document signings and getting certified for enhanced success in the position is advisable, having an active notary certification is essential.

Understanding the details of each signing procedure is imperative to maximize your success. Taking time to learn how to market can open up more lucrative opportunities than only relying on word-of-mouth referrals.

After you have finished all the needed steps, you can start working as an Illinois Notary Signing Agent.

As a Notary Signing Agent in Illinois, you may encounter loan signings from escrow companies and financial institutions nationwide. Notably, it is paramount to be cognizant that both your home state’s laws and relevant regulations from other involved states must be followed when handling loan documents for legal compliance.

If you are a notary in Illinois and have had proper training, you can make a lot of money. You need to know all the regulations to be successful.

How much does it cost to become a notary loan signing agent in Illinois?

There is no additional cost to become a notary loan signing agent in Illinois other than taking a loan signing course, which is highly recommended to launch your loan signing career as an Illinois loan signing agent. The state requires attorney involvement for real estate transactions, but many Illinois notaries become successful signing agents.

When becoming a notary loan signing agent in Illinois, you must understand the laws and regulations that apply to you as a professional. Keeping up-to-date with training and understanding the complexities of loan documents are essential skills for success. You can become a successful notary loan signing agent with proper knowledge and dedication.

What is the demand like for loan signing agents in Illinois?

The demand for loan signing agents in Illinois is strong. Most loan signings occur in large metropolitan areas such as Chicago, but there are opportunities for loan signing agents statewide. With the rising demand for online notarization services, the need for experienced notary loan signing agents is expected to grow in Illinois.

1. Site accessed January 20, 2023.