Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Can Illinois Notaries Public notarize documents outside the state of Illinois?

1. Yes, with additional documentation

2. No, they cannot

3. Yes, in emergency situations

4. Yes, if permitted by law in that state

The correct answer is: No, they cannot

In Illinois, Notaries Public are only authorized to perform notarial acts within the boundaries of the state. The rules and regulations governing notaries are set forth by the state in which they are commissioned, and Illinois law does not extend the notarial authority to actions taken outside the state. This means that any notarizations must occur while the notary is physically located in Illinois, regardless of the nature of the document or the parties involved. Other choices might seem plausible in certain contexts but do not align with Illinois statutes. For example, the idea of additional documentation or emergency circumstances suggests a flexibility that is not present in Illinois law regarding the jurisdiction of notaries. Similarly, the notion of being allowed to notarize if permitted by another state could imply a level of authority that notaries in Illinois simply do not possess when operating outside their own state's jurisdiction.