Illinois Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective June 5, 2023 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2021
- Statute
- 5 ILCS 312/6A-101 et seq.
- Bill Number
- SB 2664 (P.A. 102-160)
Illinois RON Law Overview
Illinois authorized remote online notarization in 2021 by SB 2664 (P.A. 102-160), codified at 5 ILCS 312/6A-101 et seq., effective June 5, 2023. A Illinois online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Illinois who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement (3 hours of training required). The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 7 years.
Key details for Illinois
Illinois enacted electronic (remote online) notarization in SB 2664 (P.A. 102-160, signed July 23, 2021); the article took effect June 5, 2023, when the Secretary of State's rules (14 Ill. Adm. Code Part 176) were adopted. An electronic notary holds an Illinois commission plus a separate electronic notary commission ($25; the fee is waived from July 24, 2026 to July 24, 2028 by P.A. 104-621), posts a $25,000 electronic-notary bond (or a combined $30,000 bond), and completes a three-hour course and examination (§ 2-101.5; rule 176.225; attorneys and judges may renew by signed statement). Identity is established by credential analysis and dynamic knowledge-based authentication (§ 6A-103(b)(2); rule 176.835: five questions, 80% pass, two minutes). The recording of each electronic notarial act is kept at least seven years whether or not the act was completed (§ 6A-104(d)). Separately, § 6-102.5 allows a paper "remote notarial act" over audio-video with ordinary ID, for a signer who attests to being physically in Illinois. Rules were last amended effective January 1, 2025; P.A. 104-83 (effective January 1, 2026) waives fees on the homeless status certification form and P.A. 104-486 (effective January 1, 2027) revises the felony bar — neither changes the electronic notarization article.
Illinois RON Requirements
Under Illinois law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 7 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 7 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Bond amount
- $25,000
- Training hours
- 3 hrs
Interstate Recognition
Illinois gives a notarial act performed outside the state by a notary public authorized where it was performed the same effect as if performed by an Illinois notary (765 ILCS 30/2, Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act), which covers a remote online notarization performed under another state's law. An Illinois electronic notarization itself must be performed by an Illinois electronic notary who is physically in Illinois at the time (5 ILCS 312/3-105(b), 6A-104(e)).
Online Notary Availability in Illinois
Notaron is available 24/7 across Illinois. See location-specific guides for major Illinois cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2021 under 5 ILCS 312/6A-101 et seq. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Illinois-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Illinois?
Illinois requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations. Notaries must complete 3 hours of approved RON training.
What technology is required for RON in Illinois?
Illinois requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 7 years.
Does Illinois accept out-of-state RON?
Illinois gives a notarial act performed outside the state by a notary public authorized where it was performed the same effect as if performed by an Illinois notary (765 ILCS 30/2, Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act), which covers a remote online notarization performed under another state's law. An Illinois electronic notarization itself must be performed by an Illinois electronic notary who is physically in Illinois at the time (5 ILCS 312/3-105(b), 6A-104(e)).
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Illinois?
A notary performing remote online notarizations in Illinois must hold a surety bond of $25,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; whether it is the state's ordinary notary bond or a separate electronic-notary bond depends on the state, and the statute linked above says which.