Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

TRUE OR FALSE: An Illinois Notary Public can certify a copy of a government-issued ID.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if it is a passport

4. Only if the ID is expired

The correct answer is: False

An Illinois Notary Public cannot certify a copy of a government-issued ID. This restriction aligns with the specific powers and functions of a notary public in Illinois, which generally include witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and performing acknowledgments. The role of a notary does not extend to certifying documents or copies, particularly when it involves sensitive identification forms like government-issued IDs. When it comes to certifying copies, the Illinois Notary Act clearly defines limitations, emphasizing that notaries are not authorized to make certified copies of original documents, including IDs. This policy is designed to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the notarization process and ensure that notaries do not overstep their legal boundaries. Therefore, the statement is true, confirming that notaries in Illinois should refrain from certifying copies of government-issued identification.