Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
State of Illinois notary renewal in short
Illinois treats a renewal much like a first application. Under 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5, renewing notaries complete the course of study the Secretary of State requires, pass an exam at the end of it, and attach the completion certificate to the application.[2][3] Illinois residents apply online.[1]
The state does not publish a first day to apply. Its page says the renewal notice is mailed about 60 days before expiration, so the planner above counts back to that date. Leave room for the course and exam before the commission runs out.[1]
Illinois rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, California notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal.
Illinois notary renewal requirements
This table is what Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Notary Public Act, 5 ILCS 312 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years.[1] |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | The Secretary of State's notary page publishes no first day to apply. It mails a renewal notice about 60 days before the commission expires, and you renew online.[1] |
| State fee | $15 for a notary public commission; $40 for a notary public plus electronic notary commission; $25 to add electronic notary to an active commission.[2][3] (5 ILCS 312/2-103) |
| Bond | A $5,000 surety bond; a notary who performs remote or electronic (audio-video) notarizations needs an additional $25,000 bond, $30,000 in all.[1][2] (5 ILCS 312/2-105) |
| Course to renew | Required again: renewing notaries complete the Secretary of State's required course of study from a provider on the state's list and attach the completion certificate to the application.[2][3] (5 ILCS 312/2-101.5(a)(1)) |
| Exam to renew | Yes: you pass an examination at the end of the course, also when renewing.[2] (5 ILCS 312/2-101.5(a)(2)) |
| Fingerprints or background check | Check with the Illinois Secretary of State. |
| Oath | Check with the Illinois Secretary of State. |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Illinois Secretary of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Illinois Secretary of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Illinois Secretary of State. |
Illinois notary renewal fee and bond
The fee is $15 for a notary public commission and $40 if you renew as a notary public and electronic notary together; adding electronic notary to an active commission is $25 (5 ILCS 312/2-103).[2][3] The bond is $5,000; a notary who does remote or electronic audio-video notarizations carries an additional $25,000, $30,000 in all (5 ILCS 312/2-105).[2]
The archived Secretary of State pages we read do not cover fingerprints, the oath step, the seal, the journal or errors and omissions insurance, so those rows say "check with the Illinois Secretary of State". Its live site blocks automated reading.[1]
How to renew a Illinois notary commission, step by step
Illinois renewal is 5 steps, in this order.[1][2][3]
- Watch for the Secretary of State's renewal notice, mailed about 60 days before your commission expires.
- Complete the required course of study with a provider on the Secretary of State's list and pass the exam at the end.
- Get a new $5,000 surety bond for the new term.
- Apply online on the Secretary of State's notary page with the course certificate and the $15 fee.
- Stop notarizing on the expiration date if the new commission and seal have not arrived.
You apply to Illinois Secretary of State yourself: Illinois notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Illinois commission already expired
There is no grace period: after the expiration date you cannot notarize until a new commission and a new seal are issued.[1]
After a lapse: course check with the Illinois Secretary of State; exam check with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Remote notarization is available; a remote notary carries a $30,000 bond.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take a class to renew my Illinois notary?
How much does it cost to renew a notary in Illinois?
When does Illinois send the notary renewal notice?
About 60 days before the commission expires.[1] For a commission expiring April 30, 2027, that is around March 1, 2027.
Is there a grace period for an expired Illinois notary commission?
No. After the expiration date you cannot notarize until a new commission and a new seal are issued.[1]