If you’re a notary in Illinois or thinking of becoming one, 2025 is a great time to take your services to the next level. Illinois has been ahead of the curve when it comes to Remote Online Notarization (RON), having passed a permanent RON law back in 2017. This long-standing support for digital notarization makes Illinois one of the best states for notaries who want flexibility, scalability, and higher earning potential.
In this article, we’ll explore how much notaries make in Illinois in 2025, which services are most profitable, and how to grow your notary income using both in-person and online options.
Average Notary Income in Illinois (2025)
Notary income in Illinois depends on your service offerings, certifications, and how well you position yourself online. Because RON is fully authorized and regulated in the state, notaries can offer services beyond local appointments, expanding their reach and revenue.
Here’s what notaries in Illinois typically earn in 2025:
Service Type | Estimated Annual Income | Notes |
---|---|---|
Traditional In-Person | $3,000–$10,000 | Often part-time; limited to walk-in or scheduled visits |
Mobile Notary | $10,000–$40,000 | Common in metro and suburban areas; includes travel fees |
Remote Online Notary (RON) | $25,000–$85,000+ | Flexible, high-volume potential; clients statewide |
Loan Signing Agent | $40,000–$100,000+ | High demand in Chicagoland and regional markets |
Hybrid Model | $60,000–$120,000+ | Combines RON, mobile, and specialty work |
The most successful notaries often combine two or more services—RON and loan signings in particular to generate consistent income throughout the year.
How to Increase Notary Income in Illinois
With RON available statewide and plenty of demand across industries, notaries in Illinois can scale their income by offering more services and increasing visibility.
1. Leverage Illinois’ Longstanding RON Law
Because Illinois has supported RON since 2017, platforms and processes are well-established. That gives you a strong foundation to build a remote-first or hybrid business.
To offer RON in Illinois:
- Hold an active notary commission
- Complete a state-approved RON training course
- Use an approved RON provider (e.g., SIGNiX, Notarize, BlueNotary)
- Follow ID verification, video retention, and recordkeeping requirements
- Maintain a secure digital journal and compliant backup storage
Once you’re RON-certified, you can notarize for clients anywhere in Illinois without leaving your desk.
2. Add Mobile Services for Flexibility and Reach
While RON is growing, many clients still need or prefer in-person notarizations. Mobile notary services remain essential for real estate, healthcare, and elder law clients.
Target clients include:
- Attorneys and estate planning professionals
- Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics
- Title companies, lenders, and real estate agents
Mobile services are particularly profitable in areas with fewer nearby notaries or where clients require weekend or after-hours availability.
3. Become a Loan Signing Agent
Loan signings remain one of the most lucrative paths for notaries in Illinois. These appointments often pay $75 to $200 and can be offered either in person or, when allowed by the lender, through RON.
To become a signing agent:
- Take a certified loan signing course
- Understand Illinois mortgage and closing procedures
- Connect with signing services, escrow officers, and title firms
This niche is especially active in the Chicago area and other fast-growing suburbs.
4. Build a Strong Local and Online Presence
Your ability to attract clients depends on how easily they can find and book your services. A clear digital footprint helps you stand out, especially in busy markets.
Ways to improve visibility:
- Create or update your Google Business Profile
- List your services on NotaryPublicAssociation.org
- Set up a basic website with pricing, hours, and booking options
- Promote your RON capabilities through LinkedIn or industry groups
Where Notaries Are in Demand in Illinois
Demand for notary services is spread across the state, but varies based on population density, access to digital tools, and industry hubs.
Chicago Metro Area
High volume of legal, real estate, and financial transactions. Strong demand for RON, mobile signings, and loan closings. Bilingual notaries have a competitive edge.
Central Illinois (Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield)
Consistent need for estate and legal document notarizations. Mobile services are valuable due to reduced urban density.
Southern and Rural Areas
Fewer notaries per capita. Mobile and RON services can fill large service gaps. Clients often seek convenience and flexibility.
Notary Fees in Illinois (2025)
Illinois allows notaries to charge up to $5 per in-person notarization, but RON and other services can increase income considerably. Travel and document handling fees are also common for mobile work.
Here’s what notaries are typically charging in 2025:
Service Type | Typical Fee Range (2025) | Notes |
---|---|---|
In-Person Notarization | Up to $5 per act | State-regulated base fee |
Mobile Notary | $25–$60 + travel | Mileage, location, and urgency influence pricing |
Remote Online Notarization | $20–$40 per session | Per session, not per signature; varies by platform and demand |
Loan Signing Agent | $75–$200+ per appointment | Set by contract or company; includes document handling |
Some notaries also charge extra for printing, scanbacks, weekend service, or late-night appointments.
Recommended Tools for Illinois Notaries
To run a professional and efficient notary business, you’ll need tools that support digital and mobile workflows, especially if you’re offering RON.
Popular tools include:
- RON Platforms: Notarize, SIGNiX, BlueNotary, OneNotary
- Scheduling and Billing: NotaryAssist, Square, Calendly
- File Management: Adobe Acrobat, Dropbox, DocuSign
- Marketing and Visibility: Google My Business, NotaryPublicAssociation.org, LinkedIn
These platforms help you save time, stay compliant, and deliver a better client experience.
Illinois Notaries Have a Competitive Edge in 2025
Thanks to early RON adoption and diverse demand across industries, Illinois notaries have a strong opportunity to grow their income in 2025. Whether you’re part-time or building a full-scale business, offering remote, mobile, and loan signing services can set you up for success.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit NotaryPublicAssociation.org to access:
- RON certification tools for Illinois notaries
- Loan signing agent training programs
- Marketing templates, client directories, and business planning resources
With the right strategy, you can turn your Illinois notary commission into a flexible, high-earning career in 2025.