How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Illinois (2026)

Overview

Illinois uses the term “Electronic Notary Public” rather than “remote online notary,” but the practical function is the same: an Illinois Electronic Notary can perform notarial acts via two-way audio-visual communication for signers located anywhere. The key distinction is the dual-application requirement – you need both an active traditional commission and a separate Electronic Notary Public approval from the SoS.

Illinois Electronic Notary Public Act: What the Law Requires

The Illinois Electronic Notary Public Act (815 ILCS 200/) sets the following requirements for electronic notarization in Illinois:

• Active Illinois notary public commission is a prerequisite
• Separate Electronic Notary Public application through the Secretary of State
• Use of a compliant electronic notarization technology provider
• Electronic journal required for every electronic notarial act
• Audio-visual recordings of remote sessions must be retained
• Electronic signature and seal that identifies you as an Illinois Electronic Notary Public
• Identity verification meeting state standards (credential analysis + KBA for remote acts)
• Notarial certificate must state that the act was performed using electronic means

Illinois does not publish a simple “approved vendor” list in the same way Indiana does, but the technology you choose must meet the Act’s requirements. The SoS verifies technology compliance as part of the application process.

The Illinois Dual-Application Requirement

This is the most common point of confusion for Illinois notaries. You cannot simply add electronic notary authority to your existing commission without a formal application. If you do not currently have either a commission or electronic notary status, you must apply for both at the same time through the SoS. If you have an active commission, you apply for Electronic Notary Public status separately. The SoS reviews the application, verifies your technology provider, and issues the Electronic Notary approval – only then can you begin performing electronic notarial acts.

Choosing Technology for Illinois Electronic Notary

Illinois does not maintain a named approved vendor registry, but your technology must satisfy specific functional requirements set by the Act. When evaluating platforms, confirm the vendor:

• Supports Illinois-specific notarial certificate language for electronic acts
• Uses credential analysis and KBA for identity verification of remote signers
• Provides a tamper-evident electronic record
• Generates compliant electronic seal and signature for Illinois
• Maintains electronic journal entries automatically
• Retains audio-visual recordings per Illinois requirements

Platforms widely used by Illinois Electronic Notaries include:

• Notarize (Proof) – largest consumer-facing volume, pays per completed session
• NotaryLive – strong scheduling and notary UX
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title company integrations

Before finalizing your choice, confirm the vendor has supported Illinois Electronic Notary applications and that the SoS has reviewed its technology as part of a prior application – this saves time during your own application review.

The Electronic Notary Application Process Through the SoS

The Illinois Secretary of State handles Electronic Notary applications through the same notary portal as traditional commission applications. The process involves:

1. Confirm your traditional Illinois notary commission is active
2. Go to the Illinois SoS notary page: ilsos.gov – Notary
3. Complete the Electronic Notary Public application form
4. Provide information about your chosen electronic notarization technology
5. Pay the applicable filing fee (verify current amount on the SoS website)
6. Provide updated bond information if additional coverage is required for electronic notary status
7. Wait for SoS approval before performing any electronic notarial acts

Bond and E&O Requirements for Illinois Electronic Notaries

Illinois requires a surety bond for the traditional notary commission. The Electronic Notary Public application may require additional coverage – verify the current bond requirement directly with the SoS before applying, as the amount can change. E&O insurance is strongly recommended for electronic notaries, particularly those performing loan signings and real estate closings where liability exposure is higher.

What Illinois Electronic Notaries Can Notarize

Electronic notarial acts in Illinois cover acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. High-volume use cases:

• Mortgage and loan document closings – strong demand in the Chicago metro and Illinois suburban markets
• Real estate documents – Illinois title companies have integrated electronic notary workflows
• Legal documents – affidavits, powers of attorney, business documents
• Out-of-state signers – Illinois Electronic Notaries can serve signers located anywhere

Common Mistakes Illinois Electronic Notaries Make

• Performing electronic notarial acts before Electronic Notary Public approval is granted by the SoS
• Using technology that was not disclosed to or reviewed by the SoS during the application
• Not updating the SoS when switching to a different technology provider
• Not retaining audio-visual recordings per state requirements
• Using traditional notary certificate language instead of electronic notarial act language

Before You Start

Illinois Electronic Notary authorization must be granted by the Secretary of State before you perform any electronic or remote notarial act. Confirm both your traditional commission and Electronic Notary status are active in SoS records before taking sessions. Official reference: Illinois Secretary of State – Notary.

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