DIXON – Illinois businesses and professionals will soon see lower costs to become certified electronic notaries thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Li Arellano Jr (R-Dixon) that has been signed into law.
“What I love about this bill is that it’s a great example of what we should be doing in Illinois: lowering costs,” Senator Arellano said. “While it’s not going to save you hundreds of dollars, it might be one of the only bills passed this year that does nothing other than save Illinoisans money. We need to be doing more of that!”
Under current law, individuals who become a notary must pay an additional $25 fee to become an electronic notary public in Illinois–an example of double taxation/fees discouraging state commerce. Working alongside liasions at the Illinois Secretary of State, Senator Arellano sponsored Senate Bill 1573, which waives that additional fee for two years as the Secretary of State works on a permanent improvement. This reduces upfront costs and makes it easier for more Illinoisans to become certified as electronic notaries.
“For years, Illinois businesses have had to increasinly rely on out-of-state notaries to get some types of transactions done,” Senator Arellano said. “Now we’ll be able to keep that work here in Illinois while making it easier for our own professionals to step in and meet that need.”
Notaries play a key role in verifying signatures and ensuring the integrity of important documents. The new law is especially beneficial for industries such as real estate, legal services, and small businesses involved in interstate commerce. By reducing upfront costs, the measure helps expand access to notary services across the state.
Senate Bill 1573 was developed after discussion with the Peoria business community about challenges facing interstate competitiveness. After passage in the Senate, it was sponsored in the Illinois House by State Representative Ryan Spain (R-Peoria).
Senate Bill 1573 was signed into law by the governor on Friday.