Giannoulias Eliminates Fee For Electronic Notary Services

SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has eliminated an additional fee for notaries who provide electronic notarization services, making it easier and more affordable for Illinoisans to have documents notarized.

As a result, Illinois notaries public can become commissioned electronic notaries without paying the additional $25 commission fee. The waiver, which took effect July 27, is already helping expand access to electronic notarization. As of Sept. 9, 137 applications for both Notary Public and Electronic Notary commissions had been submitted, resulting in nearly $3,500 in waived fees.

“Electronic notarization makes an essential service more convenient for Illinois residents and businesses, and eliminating the additional fee will make it easier for more notaries to offer this service,” Giannoulias said. “We’re continuing to modernize the notary system by removing unnecessary barriers and expanding access to secure, convenient services that can be completed electronically without leaving your home or office.”

Giannoulias launched Illinois’ Electronic Notary System in April 2024, allowing Illinoisans to have documents notarized electronically without having to meet with a notary in person. E-notary allows customers and notaries to sign documents electronically and attach the notarial certificate and seal electronically. There are currently 3,369 Illinois notaries who are also commissioned electronic notaries.

The Secretary of State’s office has also streamlined the notary application process. Since August 2024, Illinoisans have been able to apply online to become notaries public and current notaries can renew their registrations online, eliminating paper-based applications and reducing processing times.

Illinoisans looking for a notary who provides electronic notarization can use the Secretary of State’s notary search at apps.ilsos.gov/notarysearch. Customers will need a computer, smartphone or other device that supports audio-video communication and a valid form of identification to complete an electronic notarization.

Electronic notarial acts remain subject to fees established by state law, with a maximum fee of $25.