
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
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Printed by authority of the State of Illinois.
October 2005 – 1 – I-Pub-16.20
Printed on recycled paper