[IL] How to get your RON/Electronic Endorsement in Illinois

[IL] How to get your RON/Electronic Endorsement in Illinois​

Before you can use the Notary Hub platform by Everything Legal, you must already be commissioned as a traditional notary.

The Illinois Secretary of State has introduced an application and approval process for Remote Online Notaries and approved technology providers.

Note: If you do not yet have a notary license, you must complete that first — or apply for a notary commission at the same time you apply to become a RON.

Steps to Become a RON in Illinois​

To begin, create your account on NotaryHub.com to access all tools required for Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Within the platform, you can:

  • Obtain your Electronic Notary Stamp, Electronic Signature, and Digital Certificate through our SSL partner. [Get Your Digital Certificate](X509 Certificate Setup Guide)
  • Maintain your Electronic Journal for secure documentation of each notarization.
  • Benefit from a fully integrated workflow to manage your RON sessions efficiently.

What you get with Notary Hub

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Course and Exam​

Starting January 1, 2024, anyone applying for an Electronic Notary Commission in Illinois must:

  • Complete a 3-hour Notary Training Course from a state-approved provider.
  • Pass a 50-question exam with a minimum score of 85% or higher.

You’ll have three attempts to pass. If you fail all three attempts, you must retake the course before trying again.

Step 3: Increase Your Notarial Bond​

Illinois Remote Online Notaries are required to maintain a higher bond amount than traditional notaries.

  • Traditional Notary Bond: $5,000
  • Remote Notary Bond: $25,000

You may either:

  • Maintain separate bonds totaling $30,000, or
  • Combine both into a single $30,000 bond covering all notarial acts.

While Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for your professional protection.

Step 4: Take Your Oath of Office & Submit Your Application​

Your Oath of Office is located within the Illinois Notary Application form under the section titled “Notarial Oath.”
This must be notarized by another commissioned notary.

If you are already an active Illinois notary, you do not need to complete the Oath again for your RON Endorsement.

Sample of Illinois Notary Application Oath section

Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application Package​

Fill out the Illinois Notary Application completely according to the checklist provided on page one.

Include the following documents with your submission:

  • Completed and notarized Oath of Office
  • Proof of course completion certificate
  • A copy of your electronic signature (only your signature needs to be applied) on Notary Hub’s company letterhead (you complete this in your RON Endorsement onboarding)
  • A $15 application fee

Mail your completed packet to:
Secretary of State Index Department
111 E. Monroe
Springfield, IL 62756

Step 6: Review and Final Authorization​

After submission:

  • The Secretary of State will review your materials.
  • Once approved, your name will appear as an active Remote Online Notary in Illinois.
  • Keep in mind that notary appointments are public records and available for inspection.

If you need assistance, contact the SOS at 217-782-7017 or visit the
Illinois Secretary of State Notary Services page.

Illinois Secretary of State required online application

Additional Resources​

For direct access to the state’s online system:
👉 Illinois SOS | Online Notary Application