Everything You Need to Become an Illinois Notary, All in One Place
Welcome to the American Association of Notaries. Since 1994, we've helped hundred of thousands of people
in Illinois and across the country become notaries. With our guidance and expertise, you will become
a skilled Illinois notary capable of providing accurate and efficient notarial services.
That is our mission.
The American Association of Notaries is the only source you need to become an Illinois notary. We can assist you with:
What Our Illinois Customers Say
Shop Our Illinois Notary Supplies
Notary Stamps
Our notary stamps conform to Illinois notary law requirements and are manufactured in-house using only the highest-quality materials.
Shop
Notary Seals
All of our Illinois notary seal embossers are laser engraved and require minimal effort to produce sharp raised notary seal impressions.
Shop
Notary Supplies
The AAN is one of the nation's top providers of quality notary supplies. We offer a lifetime warranty on all of our notary supplies.
Shop
Notary Books
Our notary journals are easy to use and conform to Illinois notary laws. Every notary supplies order includes a free e-notary guide.
ShopInformational Illinois Notary Articles
Notarizing Absentee (or Vote-by-Mail) Ballots
An absentee or vote-by-mail ballot is a ballot cast in a United States election by mail, rather than at an official polling station. There are various reasons why a voter may choose to vote by mail rather than in person. Some states require that the voter have a good reason for requesting an absentee ballot, such as being stationed overseas in the military, or being homebound due to a disability. Other states allow any voter to use an absentee ballot. Each state also has different requirements on whether such a ballot requires notarization
Remote Online Notarization Technology Requirements
Performing online notarizations is a straightforward process. However, acquiring the technology to conduct them securely and in compliance with your state notary laws is often difficult. Additionally, developing and maintaining a compliant platform that meets the RON standards of your state is also expensive, especially for an individual notary.
How to Become an Illinois Notary:
Compared to other states, Illinois has few eligibility requirements to become a notary. The process is simple and affordable (from $30.00) for a four-year Illinois notary term. To become a notary in Illinois, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence
- Be a resident of Illinois for at least 30 days
- Be able to read and write the English language
- Never had a notary public commission revoked
- Never been convicted of a felon
If you meet these qualification requirements, follow the steps below to become an Illinois notary.
- Complete an Illinois notary application. We will guide you step-by-step through the application process. Click here to start the application.
- Purchase a four-year $5,000 Illinois notary bond (required by Illinois law). This bond protects the public from errors made by the notary and cost only $30.00 for a four-year term. All of our Illinois notary bonds come with a four-year, $5,000 notary errors and omissions insurance policy at no additional cost to you. Click here to purchase the notary bond.
- Mail your Illinois notary application to the Secretary of State’s Office. We will email you the application along with the completed and signed notary bond section. Complete the application, take the oath office before another notary, and mail the application to the state along with a copy of your driver’s license and a $10.00 filing fee.
- Pickup your Illinois notary commission certificate from the county clerk's office. The Secretary of State will notify you by mail when your application is approved. The office will also provide you the address of the county clerk’s office to record and receive your Illinois notary commission certificate. This is the final step to become an Illinois notary.
- Purchase a notary stamp and a notary journal. Illinois notary law requires that all notaries use a rectangular inked stamp to authenticate all notarial acts they perform. Only notary stamps with black ink color is allowed. All of our Illinois notary stamps are made in-house and come with a life-time warranty. No questions asked! Click here to order a notary stamp and a record book.
Illinois notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). Kal Tabbara is a licensed insurance agent in Illinois.
WE ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY