Illinois Notary Bond

Illinois requires a notary bond under 5 ILCS 312/2-105 to protect the public from financial loss caused by a notary’s mistakes or misconduct. Most traditional commissions need a $5,000 notary bond, while electronic or remote notarization requires a $25,000 bond (or a $30,000 combined option). Commissions generally run four years for residents (one year for non-residents). File your bond with the Illinois Secretary of State, keep coverage continuous, and consider separate E&O insurance to protect yourself.

A notary bond is a three‑party guarantee that protects the public, not the notary. If a signer suffers a loss due to a notary’s failure to follow the law, the surety may pay valid claims up to the bond amount and then seek reimbursement from the notary. In Illinois, the requirement comes from the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312/2‑105), and it applies to both traditional and electronic commissions. Remember: a notary bond is not personal insurance; it is a public protection tool.

Bond premiums typically range from 1–5% of the bond amount, depending on underwriting. For a $5,000 traditional notary bond, that’s about $50–$250. For a $25,000 electronic/remote bond, expect roughly $250–$1,250. If you choose the $30,000 combined option (covering traditional plus electronic), a 1–5% premium would be about $300–$1,500. Your individual rate may vary based on credit and other factors, but pricing is transparent and straightforward. Many notaries pay toward the lower end for smaller bond amounts.

Getting bonded is simple and fast. First, confirm the bond amount you need—$5,000 for traditional, $25,000 for electronic/remote, or a $30,000 combined bond. Next, complete an online application, receive your quote, and finalize purchase. Then file the bond with the Illinois Secretary of State through the Notary Commission portal. To avoid lapses, renew your bond and commission before expiration; timely renewal keeps your authority continuous and prevents gaps in coverage. For background, learn what a surety bond is and explore more about surety bonds here. If you hold an electronic notary commission, make sure the $25,000 bond is active before performing audio‑video notarizations.

Yes. Flexible underwriting makes it possible for applicants with challenged credit to obtain a notary bond at a fair price. Your premium may be closer to the upper end of the 1–5% range, but approvals remain accessible and the process is transparent. You’ll see exactly what you qualify for before you commit, and you can complete everything online—quickly and without surprises.

Do I need a $30,000 bond to perform remote or electronic notarizations?

Illinois authorizes audio‑video communication notarization. For electronic or remote notarization, you must carry a $25,000 notary bond. If you also perform traditional notarizations that require a $5,000 bond, many notaries choose a $30,000 combined bond to meet both obligations with one instrument. Administrative guidance appears in Illinois Admin. Code 14 §176.110, and statutory authority resides in the Illinois Notary Public Act.

How long is my Illinois notary commission?

Resident commissions are generally four years; non‑resident commissions are typically one year. Plan renewals in advance so your bond and commission remain continuous—especially if you perform electronic notarizations for which uninterrupted coverage is essential. Check your current commission details and file updates via the Notary Commission portal.

Where do I file my notary bond?

File your bond with the Illinois Secretary of State. The state’s Notary Commission portal centralizes submissions for traditional and electronic commissions, including updates to your commission profile. Keep proof of filing with your records and verify that the bond amount on file matches your mode(s) of notarization.

Is a notary bond the same as E&O insurance?

No. A notary bond protects the public by guaranteeing payment of valid claims up to the bond amount; the surety may seek reimbursement from you. Errors & omissions (E&O) insurance, by contrast, is optional coverage intended to protect you, the notary, against covered professional mistakes. Consider carrying E&O in addition to your required bond for more complete personal protection.

Illinois General Assembly. (n.d.). Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312).
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/details?ActID=107&ActName=Illinois+Notary+Public+Act.&ChapAct=FullText&Chapter=&ChapterID=2&MajorTopic=&SeqStart=

Illinois General Assembly. (n.d.). Illinois Administrative Code, Title 14, Part 176.110.
https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/EntirePart?titlepart=01400176

Illinois Secretary of State. (n.d.). Notary Commission portal. 
https://www.ilsos.gov/notary/

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Illinois surety bonds.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/bonds-by-state/illinois

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Online application.
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/surety-bond-quote

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). What is a surety bond?
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/what-is-a-surety-bond

Lance Surety Bonds. (n.d.). Surety bonds FAQs. 
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/faqs