Notary Cost in Illinois: 2026 Guide
How much does a notary cost in Illinois in 2026? Under the Illinois Notary Public Act, the maximum fee is generally $5 for a non-electronic notarial act and up to $25 for an electronic notarial act. The amount you ultimately pay may differ when a provider offers separate travel, printing, mailing, platform, or convenience services.
Illinois Notary Fees at a Glance
| Service | Illinois fee rule | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional non-electronic notarial act | Maximum $5 per notarial act | Ask whether the document needs more than one notarized signature or certificate. |
| Electronic notarial act | Up to $25 per electronic notarial act | Confirm the document and receiving party accept electronic or remote notarization. |
| Mobile or traveling notary | The notarial act remains subject to the applicable cap | Travel, parking, waiting, printing, or after-hours service may be quoted separately. |
| Bank or credit-union notary | May be free for customers | Availability, eligible documents, appointments, and customer-only policies vary. |
The current statutory wording is available in 5 ILCS 312/3-104. Illinois administrative rules also require a notary who charges a fee to disclose that fee before performing the act.
Why a $5 Notary Act Can Cost More Than $5
The state cap applies to the notarial act itself. A business may separately quote other services that are not the notarial act, depending on the situation. Examples may include:
- Travel or mobile-notary service
- After-hours or urgent scheduling
- Printing, scanning, copying, or shipping
- Witness coordination
- Technology or platform services
Ask for an itemized total before you book. A reputable provider should explain the notarial fee and any separate charges clearly.
How the Fee Is Counted
A notarial act is the official act completed by the notary, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath or affirmation for a jurat. One document can sometimes require more than one act-for example, if multiple signers each need separate acknowledgments. The document title alone does not determine the number of acts.
Electronic and Remote Online Notarization in Illinois
Illinois authorizes electronic notarial acts and maintains information for electronic notaries and approved systems through the Illinois Secretary of State. State law allows a maximum fee of up to $25 for an electronic notarial act.
Electronic notarization and remote online notarization are related but not identical ideas. In a remote session, the signer and notary communicate through live audio-video technology. The notary must use a legally compliant process, identify the signer, complete the appropriate certificate, and keep required records.
Where to Find an Affordable Notary in Illinois
- Banks and credit unions: Some offer free or low-cost service to account holders, but call first.
- Shipping and office-service locations: Convenient, although notary availability and prices vary by location.
- Libraries and government offices: Some locations host low-cost services, but this is not universal.
- Mobile notaries: Helpful when travel is difficult, though travel charges can increase the total.
- Online notaries: Useful when you want to complete an eligible document remotely and the recipient accepts the format.
What to Bring to an Illinois Notary
- The complete document, with no missing pages
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Any witnesses required by the document or receiving party
- Payment for the quoted total
- For an online session, a camera, microphone, stable internet, and a digital document
Do not leave essential blanks in the document. If the required act involves signing in the notary's presence, wait and sign during the session. The notary can identify the act and witness or acknowledge the signature, but cannot choose legal wording or provide legal advice unless separately qualified.
Illinois In-Person Notary vs Online Notary
| Feature | In-person | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Notarial-act fee | Generally capped at $5 for a non-electronic act | Illinois electronic acts may cost up to $25 |
| Travel | Usually required unless the notary travels to you | No local trip required |
| Scheduling | Depends on branch or notary hours | May offer more flexible scheduling |
| Document delivery | Often paper-based | Usually returned electronically |
| Acceptance | Often familiar to recipients | Confirm electronic and remote acceptance first |
A Simple $20 Online Alternative
If your document is eligible for remote notarization and the recipient accepts it, Notary20 offers a straightforward online option for $20 per document. You can submit the document, prepare your ID, join a live session, and receive the completed file electronically.
For a broader national comparison, see the Online Notary Cost Guide.
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FAQ
What is the maximum traditional notary fee in Illinois?
Illinois generally caps a non-electronic notarial act at $5. Separate optional services may affect the total amount charged.
How much can an electronic notary charge in Illinois?
The Illinois Notary Public Act permits a fee of up to $25 for an electronic notarial act.
Can a bank notarize my document for free?
Possibly. Some banks and credit unions provide complimentary service to customers, but availability and document restrictions vary. Call the branch first.
Can I notarize an Illinois document online?
Many documents can be handled through a compliant remote process, but document eligibility and recipient acceptance matter. Confirm the receiving party's requirements before ordering.
Does one document always equal one notarial act?
No. The number of acts depends on the required certificates, signers, and signatures. Ask the notary to explain the quoted count before the session.
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Fee rules and acceptance requirements can change; confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State and the receiving party.