An Illinois notary public is authorized to perform
notarial acts or "notarization" anywhere in the state.
Notarial acts include taking an acknowledgment,
taking a verification upon oath or affirmation,
witnessing or attesting a signature, administering an
oath or affirmation, and performing any other act
authorized by law (Sec. 6-101)
A notary public MUST be able to POSITIVELY IDENTIFY the person requesting
notarization.

A notary has positive identification if the person:

(a) is personally known to the notary; or

(b) is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally
known to the notary; or

(c) is identified on the basis of identification documents
Illinois residents are appointed notaries by the Secretary of State for a term of 4 years.  Out-of-state
residents are appointed for a one-year term.  

An applicant for an appointment must be:

1.  be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
2.  be a resident of the State of Illinois for at least 30 days.
3.  be at least 18 years of age
4.  be able to read and write the English language,
5.  have not been convicted of a felony, and
6.  have not had a notary commission revoked during the past 10 years.

An applicant must complete the application form provided by the Secretary of State and must obtain a
notary bond valued at $5,000 from a bonding or surety company.  

Once the application is approved by the Secretary of State, the notarial certificate or commission will be
mailed to the county clerk in which the applicant resides.

The appointment is not complete until the commission is recorded with the county clerk. The recording
with the county clerk may be done in person or by mail. The county clerk will notify the applicant of the
procedures.
Chicago Notary Services™
ALL ILLINOIS NOTARY PUBLICS ARE COMMISSIONED BY THE ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.
EACH NOTARY PUBLIC MUST READ & ABIDE BY THE
ILLINOIS NOTARY PUBLIC HANDBOOK, AND KEEP UP
TO DATE  WITH THE ALL THE CURRENT NOTARY LAWS.
© 2007-2009. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CHICAGO PARALEGAL SERVICES, INC.
Nationwide Notary Signing Agents
(877) 594-2466