Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Can an Illinois Notary Public refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud?

1. True

2. False

3. Only with a witness

4. Only if it is a public document

The correct answer is: True

An Illinois Notary Public has the authority to refuse to notarize a document if there is a suspicion of fraud. This responsibility stems from the notary's role as an impartial witness to the signing of documents. If the notary believes that the signer is not who they claim to be, is signing under duress, or is potentially committing fraud in any way, they must act in accordance with ethical guidelines and the law by declining to perform the notarization. Refusing to notarize in such situations protects both the public and the integrity of the notarial process. Notaries are tasked with maintaining the credibility of documents and transactions, and notarizing a potentially fraudulent document could have serious legal ramifications for the notary and the parties involved. The requirement to ensure that the notarization is conducted in a lawful and ethical manner is a fundamental duty of the notary public.