NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATION INFORMATION

The following checklist should assist you when completing the Illinois Notary Public Application and surety bond:

1. Applications to become a Notary Public in the State of Illinois are available through the Secretary of State’s office or your local County Clerk’s office.

2. There is a $10.00 filing fee for appointment and commission for each notary public. The check or money order should be made payable to the Secretary of State. Checks that have been altered, i.e. usage of correction fluid, or are unsigned are unacceptable. The Secretary of State’s office also accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover Cards.

3. Each Notary Public application must include a $5,000 Illinois Notary Public Bond issued by a company qualified to write surety bonds in Illinois. The Secretary of State’s office does not accept the Public Official Bond or Errors and Omissions Policy. The surety bonding company’s corporate seal must accompany the Signature of Officer or Authorized Representative.

4. The Illinois Notary Public is appointed through the Office of Secretary of State’s Index Department. Your official commission date is assigned by this office, not the insurance company or surety bonding company who has underwritten your surety bond.

5. To become an Illinois Notary Public, you must be an Illinois resident or a resident of a qualifying bordering state. Illinois Residents are commissioned in the county in which they reside. Out of State Residents are commissioned in the county in which they are employed.

6. Your name and Signature of Applicant must read exactly the same and be notarized by another current Illinois Notary Public; their valid rubber stamp seal must be affixed. You cannot notarize your own signature.

7. On the bond side, you must sign as Signature of Principal/Applicant. The Secretary of State’s office accepts only applications and surety bonds with an original signature.

8. The office of the county clerk, in the county in which you reside or are employed, will contact you upon their receipt of your commission. Failure to register with the county will result in cancellation of your commission.

9. The office of the county clerk has copies of the Illinois Notary Public Handbook. Please obtain a copy of this handbook and take the time to review the information.

10. Notary public applications and appointments are public records and are available to any interested person for examination and copying.

11. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office at (217)782-7017 or your local county clerk.