The Office of Risk Management provides assistance to Northwestern University employees who seek Notary Public status.

THIS SERVICE IS ONLY PROVIDED TO NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES.

To become an Illinois Notary Public, you must be an Illinois resident or a resident of a qualifying bordering state. Illinois Residents are commissioned in the county in which they reside. Out of State Residents are commissioned in the county in which they are employed.

Follow these easy steps.

1. Obtain an application.

Notary applications are available in Adobe Acrobat format at the following web site:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/indexpub.html#notary

Application forms are also available from the Office of Risk Management.

Your Name and Signature of Applicant must read exactly the same and be notarized by another current Illinois Notary Public; their valid rubber stamp seal must be affixed. You cannot notarize your own signature. Have the State Application Form notarized (by someone other than you) in black ink. The State WILL NOT ACCEPT PHOTOCOPIES of applications.

On the bond side, you must sign as Signature of Principal/Applicant. This office accepts only applications and surety bonds with an original signature. Sign both sides of the State Application Form.

2. Forward a completed application to Leland Roth in the Office of Risk Management along with a CUFS account number that will be used to pay for the required bond ($25) and the Secretary of State's application fee ($10). Risk Management will complete the bond section of the application and will forward the application and the $10 fee to the Secretary of State.

3. Wait for 4 - 6 weeks.

It usually takes the State of Illinois about six weeks to process the paperwork and notify new or renewing notaries.

The office of the county clerk, in the county in which you reside or are employed, will contact you upon their receipt of your commission. Failure to register with the county will result in cancellation of your commission.

Questions should be forwarded to Leland Roth at (847) 491-4334 or risk@northwestern.edu.