Notary Public Commissions

Notary Public Commissions

The Cook County Clerk's office certifies newly commissioned notaries public who live in Cook County and certifies notaries' signatures.

However, the Illinois Secretary of State first processes all notary public applications. You can print an application to become a notary public at the Secretary of State's website or call (217) 782-7017.

Authenticating Notaries/Apostilles Authentication Process

An apostille certifies the validity of an Illinois notary public, county clerk, circuit clerk or local registrar. This special certification is accepted by foreign countries as proof that specific documents are official.

Before an apostille is issued, the Clerk's office verifies or authenticates the notary public's signature on the document.

The Clerk's office issues a Certificate of Authenticity ($2 per document) verifying that the notary public is in good standing.
The Secretary of State's office issues the apostille.