Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Business
Notary Public Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Tied to business.
- 6
Persons shall be deemed to be in practice as public accountants within the meaning and intent of the Act who either individually, as members of a partnership or limited liability company or as officers of a corporation, sign, affix or associate their names or any trade or assumed names used by them in a profession or business to any report expressing or disclaiming an opinion on a financial statement based on an audit or examination of that statement, or expressing assurance on a financial statement.
Exam and processing details
- statement based on an audit or examination of that statement, or expressing assurance on a financial statement
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$51,310 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required statement based on an audit or examination of that statement, or expressing assurance on a financial statement.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $51,310, Notary Publics in Illinois earn 6% above the national median of $48,360. Illinois ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$51,310Hourly estimate
$24.676% above national median
Difference: +$2,950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNotary Public Salary Ranking
#10 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Maryland | $60,470 |
| #2 | California | $57,020 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $55,370 |
| #4 | Hawaii | $54,260 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $53,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
Notary Public licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $51,310 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $34,800 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| Iowa | $45,690 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $44,120 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $47,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $37,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,030 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Notary Publics in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.
What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Notary Public salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Illinois is $51,310. Salaries range from $39,480 (10th percentile) to $70,260 (90th percentile).
How does the Notary Public salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Notary Publics in Illinois earn 6% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $51,310.
How many Notary Publics work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1,530 Notary Publics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.
How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.