Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Must an Illinois Notary Public use an official seal or stamp for all notarizations?

1. True

2. False

3. Only for legal documents

4. Only for electronic documents

The correct answer is: True

In Illinois, a notary public is required to use an official seal or stamp for all notarizations. The Illinois Notary Public Act specifies that the seal must include the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the county of registration, and the date of expiration of the notary's commission. This requirement helps ensure the authenticity of the notarization and provides a clear indication that the document has been legally verified by a notary. Using an official seal or stamp adds a layer of credibility to the notarization process. It helps to prevent fraud and misrepresentation by providing a means for third parties to verify that the notarization was performed by a duly appointed notary public. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of legal documents, as the seal is a recognizable symbol of trustworthiness in the act of notarization. Though some options suggest the seal is only necessary for specific types of documents, the requirement applies universally across all notarizations in Illinois, reinforcing the idea that a notary's work must be clearly marked and legally binding.