Illinois introduces online application system for notary publics starting August 1

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today that Illinois residents interested in becoming notary publics can now apply online starting August 1.

The program builds on the new Electronic Notary System administered by Secretary of State’s office that launched in April and is part of its effort to modernize operations.

“Modernizing the notary process in Illinois has made it easier for customers who want to notarize documents without having to leave their home, but we’ve also streamlined the process for prospective notaries and those renewing,” Giannoulias said. “Applicants are no longer required to submit paper forms, eliminating the cumbersome paper-based submission process and reducing processing times.”

There are currently 148,059 notaries public and nearly 600 who are also electronic notaries public commissioned in Illinois.

As part of the new system, anyone wishing to become a notary must submit their application and current notaries must renew their registrations online.

For online applications, applicants must be Illinois residents and will need:

• A valid Illinois driver’s license or ID card.
• An electronic copy of their Notary Public Study Course completion certificate from an approved study course provider.
• An electronic copy of their completed form I-263 or I-264 (Notary Public Bond), signed and certified by a qualified surety bond company.
• Current notary publics who are also adding an electronic notary designation will need:
• An electronic copy of their electronic signature that was approved by their Electronic Notarization System Provider.
• The name of their Electronic Notarization System Provider.

Interested individuals can access the notary public application and view additional requirements here.