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. The Office of Risk Management 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.
- The Office of Risk Management 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.
Application Process
Prior to starting the application process, review the Illinois Notary Public Website for important information.
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 here for initial processing by the Office of Risk Management and Include a university chart string to cover the required fees.
| Total | $40.00 |
| $5,000 Surety Bond Fee | $25.00 |
| $30 | |
| Illinois Secretary of State Application Fee | $15.00 |
Step 3: Mail Your Application.
Send the original completed application with a legible photocopy of your driver's license or state ID card to the Office of Risk Management. The Secretary of State only accepts applications and surety bonds with an original signature.-
Mailing Address
Office of Risk Management
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 by Recording Your Commission.
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. The Office of Risk Management must be notified of the effective date of your commission after you have registered with the county clerk