The Illinois Notary Public Handbook provides essential guidelines for commissioning, acting, and complying with state laws, including required 3-hour training and an 85%+ passing score on a 50-question exam for new and renewing notaries. The handbook covers the mandatory $5,000 bond, journal requirements, and the 4-year commission term.
ILLINOIS
NOTARY PUBLIC
HANDBOOK
Jesse White
Secretary of State
Jesse White
Secretary of State
ILLINOIS
NOTARY PUBLIC
HANDBOOK
Dear Friend:
This handbook outlines the important duties of a notary public. The
Illinois Notary Public Act, effective July 1, 1986, was passed to better
meet the needs of the modern business world. Effective June 13, 2000,
under certain conditions, residents of states bordering Illinois may be
commissioned as Illinois notaries.
Following are basic rules for proper and safe notarization: 1) Keep
your notary seal in a safe place; 2) Do not notarize a signature unless
the signer is present at the time of notarization; 3) Do not lend your
stamp to anyone, including your employer; 4) Do not identify a
document signer on the word of a friend or employer who is not willing
to take an oath; 5) Sign your name on notarial certificates exactly as it
appears on your commission and affix your seal.
I encourage you to read this handbook thoroughly. If you have
questions, please contact: Office of the Secretary of State, Index
Department, 111 E. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62756.
Sincerely,
Jesse White
Secretary of State
CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION Page
Introduction.................................................................................................. 4
Appointment ................................................................................................ 4
Bond ............................................................................................................ 5
Seal .............................................................................................................. 5
Failure to Record Appointment with County Clerk...................................... 6
Signature of Notary ...................................................................................... 6
Geographical Jurisdiction ........................................................................... 6
Fee ............................................................................................................... 6
Certificate of Authority ................................................................................. 6
Change of Name or Move to Another County............................................. 6
Reappointment as a Notary ........................................................................ 7
Refusal or Revocation of Appointment ....................................................... 7
Functions of a Notary Public ....................................................................... 7
Acknowledgment.................................................................................... 8
Oaths or Affirmations.............................................................................. 9
Prohibited Acts .......................................................................................... 11
Penalties and Liability ............................................................................... 12
Conclusion ................................................................................................. 12
ILLINOIS NOTARY PUBLIC ACT
Text of the Law........................................................................................... 13
COMMON ERRORS AND
CAUSES FOR PROCESSING DELAYS
Application for Commission as a Notary Public ....................................... 25
Reminders for Completing Your Appointment .......................................... 26
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE ................ 27
Your Notary Seal ........................................................................................ 28
Performing Notarizations in Illinois ............................................................ 28
QUESTIONS ABOUT PERFORMING NOTARIZATIONS .................... 29
Notarization Procedures/Rules .................................................................. 30
NON-RESIDENT COMMISSIONS............................................................. 31
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS .............................................................. 32
COUNTY CLERKS
Addresses and Telephone Numbers ........................................................ 33
-3-
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois.
October 2005 – 1 – I-Pub-16.20
Printed on recycled paper
