Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

True or False: A notary can notarize a blank document if requested.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if the notary knows the signer well

4. Only if it's for a specific purpose

The correct answer is: False

A notary public is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the notarization process, which includes confirming the identity of the signer and witnessing their signature on a specific document. Notarizing a blank document poses significant risks because it can lead to potential fraud or misuse. When a notary notarizes a document, they are essentially verifying that the individual who is signing the document has done so willingly and understands the contents of that document. Notarizing a blank document would undermine this process since the notary cannot confirm either of these key elements. Furthermore, it also violates the ethical standards and legal responsibilities that notaries are expected to uphold. The law requires that a notary only sign and stamp documents that are complete and clearly defined. Thus, the statement that a notary can notarize a blank document, even upon request, is false. This policy not only protects the integrity of the notarization process but also upholds the trust placed in notaries by the public and legal system.