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Notary Public

Illinois law requires all Notaries to purchase and maintain a $5,000 or $30,000 - if performing Remote Notarization by Audio-Video Communication - Notary surety bond for the duration of their 4-year commission. Risk Management and Insurance provides assistance to Northwestern University employees seeking a Notary surety bond to obtain Notary Public status for university business.

Important Updates

  • The requirement to complete a Study Course begins January 1, 2024.
  • Illinois Notaries Public and Electronic Notaries Public are required to keep a journal of each notarial act or electronic notarial act (as applicable). Notaries must maintain their journal in either paper or electronic form, and maintain more than one paper or electronic journal.
  • As of July 1, 2022, the fee for a Notary Public Commission application or renewal is $15.
  • Risk Management and Insurance must be notified of the effective date of your commission after you have registered with the county clerk.

Prior to starting the application process, review the Illinois Notary Public Handbook.

Quick Links

Application Process*

Step 1: Complete an Application

Obtain and complete the notary application from the Illinois Secretary of State website

  • The application can be typed or handwritten legibly by only using black ink.
  • The name and signature of the applicant must be exactly the same.
  • The application needs to be notarized and signed by a notary other than the applicant.
  • The Notary Bond section should be pre-filled
    • Provide Full Name of Applicant as Principal/Applicant.
    • List Rubicon Insurance Co. C/o Northwestern University as Bonding/Insurance Company.
  • The applicant must provide their signature as Principal/Applicant.
  • For renewals, applications submitted more than six months before your current commission expires
    will not be accepted.

Step 2: Upload Your Application

Scan and upload your completed application for initial processing by Risk Management and Insurance and include a university chart string to cover the required fees.

Required Application Fees
$5,000 Surety Bond Fee $25.00
$30
Illinois Secretary of State Application Fee $15.00
Total $40.00

Step 3: Mail Your Application

Send the original completed application with a legible photocopy of your driver's license or state ID card to Risk Management and Insurance.

The Secretary of State only accepts applications and surety bonds with an original signature.

  • Mailing Address
    Risk Management and Insurance
    Attn: Juan-Carlos
    2020 Ridge, 4th Fl
    Evanston, IL 60208-4335

Step 4: Record Your Commission

Once you've obtained your commission from the Secretary of State, notify Risk Management and Insurance by Recording Your Commission.

* Prior to starting the application process, review the Illinois Notary Public Website for important information.

Additional Information

It can take 4 to 8 weeks for the Secretary of State to process the Notary Public Application.

The County Clerk’s office, in the county where you reside or are employed, will send a letter of receipt of your commission and require you to pay a $5 (if done in-person) or $10 fee (if done via mail) before the county clerk is able to deliver the commission. You must register your commission within 30 days of receiving confirmation from the County Clerk’s office. Risk Management and Insurance must be notified of the effective date of your commission after you have registered with the county clerk.

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