Illinois Notary Bond

The Illinois Notary Bond is a requirement for notaries in Illinois. It ensures that notaries perform their duties honestly and accurately. The bond protects the public if a notary makes a mistake, acts negligently, or commits fraud. 

Traditional notaries are required to obtain a $5,000 bond, while those who perform remote notarizations must secure a higher $30,000 bond due to the increased responsibility of these services. If a notary makes an error or acts improperly, an affected party can file a claim against the bond for compensation. Once a claim is paid, the notary is responsible for repaying the surety company.

The bond protects the public, but it doesn’t protect the notary personally. Notaries are advised to get Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for personal coverage. These rules, enforced by the Illinois Secretary of State, help maintain trust in notarial services throughout the state.

In Illinois, notaries are required to obtain a $5,000 surety bond as part of their notary commission process. This bond remains valid for 4 years and serves as a financial safeguard to protect the public from potential fraudulent or negligent acts by the notary.

The Tennessee notary bond costs as low as $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied) and must be secured from a state-approved surety provider before submitting your notary application.

These premiums are one-time payments covering the entire four-year commission term.

In addition to the bond and optional insurance, notaries should also budget for other expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $15 fee payable to the Illinois Secretary of State.
• Notary Seal and Journal: Costs range from $20 to $50, depending on the provider.

Getting an Illinois Notary Bond in Three Simple Steps

1. Apply for Your Bond

Easily apply using one of the following methods:

• Online Application – Complete our secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just a few minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Illinois Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $5,000 - $30,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll instantly receive a bond quote. Review the details to ensure accuracy, and if you need any adjustments, our team is happy to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, complete your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the necessary documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

To renew your Illinois Notary Bond, you must reapply for a notary commission and submit a new $5,000 bond (or $30,000 for remote notaries). Your new bond must be issued by an approved surety bonding company. 

Renewing requires completing this process before your current commission expires. It is recommended to start the renewal process at least 30 days before the expiration date to allow sufficient time for processing.

To become a notary public in Illinois, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in Illinois or a bordering state (Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin) with proof of Illinois employment or business.
• Be proficient in English
• No felony convictions
• No previous notary revocations in the last 10 years.
• Pay a $15 application fee (check, money order, or credit card).
• Submit a $5,000 Notary Bond for standard notaries or $30,000 for remote notaries.
• Provide a photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID and have your signature notarized.

For more information, check the Illinois Secretary of State’s Notary Public Handbook.

To become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Illinois, applicants must meet the standard notary requirements and complete additional steps. 

• Apply for RON status with the Illinois Secretary of States
• Submit a $30,000 bond (instead of the standard $5,000).
• Use a secure, approved audio-visual communication platform for notarizations.
• Follow specific procedures for verifying the identity of signers, such as using knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or other technologies.

Once approved, you’ll be able to perform notarizations using audio-visual communication tools. Always check the Illinois Secretary of State's site for updates on procedures.