The Requirements to Meet if You Want to Become an Illinois Notary Public
The Illinois Secretary of State is reminding all notary publics of the importance of protecting their Illinois notary supplies, especially their rubber stamp. Regardless of who paid for the stamp it belongs to the individual. If the stamp ends up being stolen, it is the responsibility of the notary public to report the theft of Illinois notary supplies to the police immediately. The individual should then report the theft of notary supplies
to the Secretary of State and resign. Any individual who has resigned is not eligible to become a notary public again for 10 years.Therefore, it is essential that Illinois notary supplies be protected.
According to the Secretary of State, there is no shortage of individuals who are eligible to become a notary public and use Illinois notary supplies. The individual only needs to be 18 years of age. They must live or work in Illinois for 30 days before applying. The individual must never have been convicted of committing a felony. Not surprisingly, in order to use Illinois notary supplies the person must be able to read and write English.
If you meet the requirements, and want to be able to use your own Illinois notary supplies, then you need to start by filling out the application found on the state’s website. You must then take the completed application and a government issued ID to the county clerk’s office. You will also need to purchase a $5,000 surety bond and take proof of that bond with you. While you are at the county clerk’s office you will be asked to submit a specimen sample.
The Supplies You'll Need and the Duties You'll Fulfill as an Illinois Notary
Then, you can buy your Illinois notary supplies. In most cases, the only Illinois notary supply that is mandatory is a rubber stamp that says notary public, state of Illinois and the date that the commission expires. The notable exception to this rule is that if you will be notarizing the transfer or intent to transfer residential property in Cook County, then you must have a notarial book.
It is the responsibility of the notary public to protect their Illinois notary public supplies. Therefore, the individual should buy great quality products like those from Acorn where all products are made in the United States. They should then keep them with them at all times. After all, the individual does not want anyone to be able to steal their Illinois notary supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Illinois notary supplies are required to perform notarizations?
In most cases, the required Illinois notary supply is a rubber stamp that includes “Notary Public,” “State of Illinois,” and the commission expiration date. If you will be notarizing transfers or intent to transfer residential property in Cook County, you must also have a notarial book.
How can I protect my Illinois notary stamp from theft or misuse?
Keep your Illinois notary supplies with you whenever possible, store them in a secure locked location when not in use, and never leave your stamp or seal unattended in a vehicle, desk, or workplace. Using high-quality, tamper-resistant supplies can also help reduce the risk of fraud.
What should I do if my Illinois notary stamp or other supplies are stolen?
Report the theft to the police immediately, then notify the Illinois Secretary of State as soon as possible. According to the blog, you may also need to resign your commission, which can affect your ability to become a notary again for 10 years.
Can someone else use my Illinois notary stamp if I paid for it?
No. The stamp belongs to the individual notary public, not the person or business that paid for it. Only the commissioned notary should possess and use the stamp, because misuse could expose you to fraud and legal issues.
How do I become an Illinois notary public and get my own notary supplies?
You must be at least 18, live or work in Illinois for 30 days, have no felony convictions, and be able to read and write English. You then complete the application, bring it with a government-issued ID to the county clerk’s office, purchase a $5,000 surety bond, and submit a specimen signature before buying your Illinois notary supplies.
Where is the best place to buy secure Illinois notary supplies?
Buy from a trusted supplier that offers durable, high-quality, U.S.-made products designed for Illinois notaries. Quality supplies can help protect against tampering, wear, and fraud, especially when you rely on your stamp every day.
