Illinois notary public
Exam requiredWhat it takes to become a notary public in Illinois, from the state's 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.
Start the Notary course →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.