Renew Your Commission With Confidence
Illinois requires renewing notaries to complete a 3-hour approved course and pass the exam again. Our state-approved online course reviews Illinois notary law and gets you ready to renew without delay.
Your Illinois Renewal Path
Steps to Renew Your Notary Commission in Illinois
- Step 1
Check Your Renewal Window
Submit your renewal 30 to 60 days before your commission expires so there's no gap in your ability to notarize.
- Step 2
Complete the 3-Hour NPA State-Approved Course
Finish the Notary Public Association Illinois state-approved course. You have up to 30 days to complete it once you start.
- Step 3
Pass the Illinois Notary Exam
Pass the 50-question exam with a score of 85% or higher, then save your course and exam certificate for your application.
- Step 4
Submit Your Renewal Application and Bond
Apply to the Illinois Secretary of State with your certificate, a $5,000 surety bond, and the filing fee.
- Step 5
Get Your New Stamp
Once your new commission is issued, order a new stamp with your new commission expiration date before notarizing.
Fully Online & State Approved
Our Illinois Notary Renewal Course is 100% online, so you can complete it at your own pace, on your own schedule.
This state-approved course reviews the laws, duties, and procedures you need to renew your commission and continue performing notarial acts in Illinois with confidence.
Illinois Certificate of Completion
The Illinois Notary Public Certificate of Completion confirms you've completed the 3-hour state-approved course and passed the exam, meeting Illinois's education requirement for renewing notaries.
Include this certificate with your renewal application to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Illinois course questions and answers
Yes. Illinois requires renewing notaries to complete a 3-hour course from a Secretary of State-approved provider and pass the exam before every renewal. Licensed attorneys, judges, and their employees may qualify for an exemption.
You can submit your renewal 30 to 60 days before your commission expires. Applying at least 30 days early helps you avoid a lapse.
The exam has 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and you need a score of 85% or higher to pass.
You need a new $5,000 surety bond for your renewed commission. Electronic notaries need an additional $25,000 bond.
Yes. Your stamp shows your commission expiration date, so you'll need a new stamp with your new expiration date.
You can't perform notarial acts with an expired commission. You'll need to complete the course and exam and receive your new commission before notarizing again.