How to start a notary business in Illinois?
Asked by: Prof. Leatha Bechtelar | Last update: November 27, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Read the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and Illinois Notary laws.
- Take an approved Notary study course and pass the exam.
- Buy a $5,000* surety bond.
- Complete the Notary Public Application on the Secretary of State website.
How much can I charge as a notary in Illinois?
The notary fees in Illinois are set by 5 ILCS 312/3-104. The maximum fee an Illinois notary can charge in Illinois is: $5 for any notarial act performed. $25 for any electronic notarial act performed pursuant to the Illinois Notary Public Act.
Do Notaries make money in Illinois?
As of Jan 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Mobile Notary Signing Agent in Illinois is $62,770 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.18 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,207/week or $5,230/month.
Is it hard to get business as a notary?
You can earn extra money as a notary if you know and follow the notary laws correctly, have a potential market of customers and have marketing skills to attract customers, and provide excellent customer service. It also depends on how much competition there is in your market. It is not difficult to become a notary.
How profitable is a notary business?
While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10.
How to start Notary Business in Illinois , General Notary Work. Notary training in Illinois
How do I start a notary business in Illinois?
- Meet the eligibility requirements.
- Read the Illinois Notary Public Handbook and Illinois Notary laws.
- Take an approved Notary study course and pass the exam.
- Buy a $5,000* surety bond.
- Complete the Notary Public Application on the Secretary of State website.
Is notary a high risk business?
Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.
How much does a notary make per signing?
Notary Fee Structure in California
In California, the maximum fee notaries can charge per signature is $15. However, notaries often earn additional income through: Travel fees for mobile notary services. Loan signing packages (ranging from $75 to $200+ per signing)
Can being a notary be a side hustle?
Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.
How to work from home as a notary?
Several remote notarization technology providers offer end-to-end remote online notarization solutions. Check your state's website for a list of approved vendors. Depending on your commissioning state, you may also need an electronic Notary seal, a digital certificate and an electronic journal to provide RON services.
Is there a test to become a notary in Illinois?
Overview of the Illinois Notary course and exam rules
2021 Senate Bill 2664 authorized the Illinois Secretary of State to require Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public commission applicants to take a course of study and pass an examination on notarization and electronic notarization.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions
As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
What is the new law for notaries in Illinois?
UPDATE 12-8-23: Under a new law that took effect November 17, 2023, Illinois Notaries are not required to record a journal entry when notarizing the following election documents filed by or on behalf of a candidate for public office: nominating petitions; petitions of candidacy; petitions for nomination; nominating ...
How does a mobile notary work?
Unlike an in-office or online notary, a Mobile Notary or Traveling Notary is a notary public who travels to meet clients in-person. Usually, you must make an appointment and wait to meet a mobile notary at a specified time and location. Fees are typically much higher as you must pay for their travel time and expenses.
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.
What are the disadvantages of being a notary?
Additionally, notaries may need to renew their commissions every 4 years, which can be an added expense. Notaries are restricted from providing legal advice or services beyond the scope of notarization. This limitation could frustrate clients who seek additional assistance beyond notarizing documents.
Can you be a part-time notary?
It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law.
Can a notary have an LLC?
LLC: Protecting a Notary's assets from bankruptcy
Another common structure is the limited liability company, or LLC.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
How do you structure a notary business?
- Step 1: Craft a Business Plan. ...
- Step 2: Establish a Legal Entity and Register for Taxes. ...
- Step 3: Open Business Bank Accounts and Credit Cards. ...
- Step 4: Implement a Robust Accounting System. ...
- Step 5: Secure the Necessary Permits and Licenses.
How much does a $5000 notary bond cost?
Bond requirements vary by state, but to give you an idea of how much you will pay for your bond premium, a $5,000 Notary Bond generally costs $35 - $55 annually (including possible processing fees). You do not pay the full $5,000 bond amount. Instead, you pay a small flat rate to get bonded.
How do I become a remote notary in Illinois?
- Be a traditional Notary Public (or apply simultaneously as a Notary Public and Electronic Notary Public).
- Complete the state-required training and pass the exam.
- Contract with one or more state-approved technology system(s).
- Take your oath of office.