Illinois Notary Public Requirements
- Notary publics perform an important service by helping prevent fraud and forgery while documenting important paperwork. In Illinois, the Secretary of State holds the responsibility of appointing notaries. Once commissioned, residents must renew every four years while non-residents must do so annually.
- Illinois notaries must be at least 18 years old and able to read and write English. They must be free of any felony convictions and not have a revoked or suspended notary commission in the last 10 years. If not a United States citizen, applicants must submit proof of permanent residency status.
- In order to become a notary in Illinois, applicants must have either lived in the state or worked or held a business in the state for at least 30 days before applying. Non-residents must live in a state bordering Illinois and can only become a notary if their state laws permit Illinois residents to become notaries.
- Applicants must submit an application along with proof that they purchased a $5,000 bond from a bond or surety company licensed to do business in the Illinois to the Secretary of State office. This bond offers protection to the public in the event the notary commits an act of negligence.
- In order to solidify the appointment, the notary must officially register the commission and his official signature with the county clerk in which he resides or maintains his business. According to the Illinois Notary Public Handbook, notaries can do this in person or through the mail. The county clerk will offer instructions on how to complete this step once the office receives the commission certificate from the Secretary of State.
- Illinois law requires a notary obtain a seal with his name, title and expiration of his commission. The impression cannot exceed one inch in height and 2.5 inches in length. Notaries can order the stamp from supply stores, stamp manufacturers or notary organizations that provide seals and other notary supplies.