Illinoisnotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredIllinois notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- State-approved 3-hour notary education course + exam (effective Jan 1, 2024)
- Commission term
- 4 (residents); 1 (nonresidents) years
- Surety bond
- $5,000 (standard notarizations); $30,000 bond for electronic/remote notarization
- Notes
- Illinois is one of the few states that newly added a mandatory course + exam requirement (85% passing score) starting 2024, administered under Secretary of State oversight.
Preparing to be a Illinois notary
Illinois requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Illinois statute on top of the core.
Free notary practice questions →Illinois notary public FAQ
Does Illinois require a notary exam?
Yes. Illinois requires a written notary exam (State-approved 3-hour notary education course + exam (effective Jan 1, 2024)).
What are the Illinois notary public rules for term and bond?
A Illinois notary commission is typically 4 (residents); 1 (nonresidents) years. Surety bond requirement: $5,000 (standard notarizations); $30,000 bond for electronic/remote notarization. Confirm current amounts with the official Illinois authority.
How do I become a notary public in Illinois?
Follow Illinois commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($5,000 (standard notarizations); $30,000 bond for electronic/remote notarization), and apply through the official Illinois commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Illinois commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.