IL-Notary Notary Bond Requirements and Commission Maintenance Flashcards
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What is the required amount for a surety bond for an Illinois Notary Public commission?
Answer: $5,000
The Illinois Notary Public Act mandates that every applicant for a notary commission must be covered by a surety bond. The bond amount is set by state law at $5,000 for the entire four-year term of the commission.
What is the primary purpose of a notary's surety bond?
Answer: To financially protect the public from the notary's misconduct.
A notary bond is not insurance for the notary's protection. Its purpose is to protect the public by providing a source of funds to reimburse individuals who suffer financial loss due to a notary's negligence or intentional misconduct.
For how long is a standard Notary Public commission valid in the state of Illinois?
Answer: 4 years
An Illinois Notary Public commission is issued for a term of four years. The notary must complete the renewal process before the commission's expiration date to continue performing notarial acts without interruption.
If an Illinois notary moves their residence and principal place of business to a new county within the state, what must they do?
Answer: File a new bond and oath of office with the clerk of the new county.
A notary's commission is recorded in their county of residence or principal place of work. If they move to a new county, they must essentially re-qualify in that new jurisdiction by filing a new bond and oath of office with the new county clerk.
What is the correct procedure for a notary who wishes to resign their commission before it expires?
Answer: Send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State.
The Illinois Secretary of State is the commissioning authority. Therefore, to officially end a commission, the notary must provide formal written notice of their resignation to the Secretary of State's office.
After an Illinois notary receives their commission certificate from the Secretary of State, where must they file their bond and oath of office?
Answer: With the county clerk of the county where they reside or work.
The final step to becoming a commissioned notary is to record the appointment at the local level. The notary must take their commission certificate, original bond, and signed oath of office to the county clerk's office in their county of residence or work to be officially filed.