Illinois Notary Public Bond

What Is the Illinois Notary Public Bond?

The Illinois Notary Public Bond is a $5,000 surety bond required by the Illinois Secretary of State under the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312). The bond protects members of the public who suffer financial harm due to a notary's misconduct, negligence, or failure to perform official duties properly.

If a notary makes an error or willfully misuses their commission, an injured party can file a claim against the bond. The surety pays valid claims up to $5,000, and the notary is then obligated to reimburse the surety. The bond is not insurance for the notary — it protects the public.

Illinois also permits Remote Online Notarization (RON). RON commissions require a separate $30,000 bond in addition to standard notary obligations.

Who Needs This Bond in Illinois?

• All new notary applicants in Illinois must submit proof of a $5,000 surety bond with their application to the Secretary of State before a commission is issued.
• Remote Online Notaries (RON) must obtain a separate $30,000 bond before performing electronic notarizations.
• Renewing notaries must maintain continuous bond coverage. If the bond lapses, the commission is void and a new application is required.

How to Get Bonded — Step by Step

1. Complete your notary application on the Illinois Secretary of State's website.
2. Apply for your bond. Click "Get Your Bond Now" on this page and complete the short application. Most applicants receive instant approval.
3. Receive your bond certificate. A bond certificate is issued same-day for most applicants.
4. Submit to the Secretary of State. File the bond certificate along with your notary application and $15 filing fee to the Secretary of State's office.
5. Receive your commission. Once approved, your notary commission and seal are issued by the Secretary of State.

Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage

Illinois notary commissions are 4-year terms. Your bond must cover the full 4-year commission period. Set a reminder 30–45 days before expiration to renew both your commission and bond simultaneously. A lapsed bond automatically voids your commission until a new bond is filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a notary bond required in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law (5 ILCS 312/2-102) requires every notary applicant to file a $5,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State before a commission is granted. Without a bond on file, the commission will not be issued.

What is the difference between the standard and RON bond?

A standard in-person notary commission requires a $5,000 bond. If you also want authorization to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON), Illinois requires a separate $30,000 bond. The two bonds are independent — you can hold both simultaneously.

Does the bond cover my mistakes?

No. The bond protects the public from your errors, not you. If a claim is paid by the surety, you are obligated to reimburse the surety in full. To protect yourself from liability, consider a notary errors & omissions (E&O) policy in addition to the required bond.

Can I get bonded before my application is approved?

Yes — and you must. The bond must be obtained and filed along with your application. Most applicants obtain the bond first, then submit everything together to the Secretary of State's office.

Related: All Illinois surety bonds · What is a surety bond? · How surety bond costs are calculated