Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What action should a notary take if they suspect a signer is being coerced?

1. Proceed with the notarization

2. Ignore their concern

3. Refuse to perform the notarization

4. Ask for additional witnesses

The correct answer is: Refuse to perform the notarization

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to perform the notarization. This response is grounded in the notary's duty to ensure that the signature is made voluntarily and without duress. Coercion compromises the integrity of the notarization process, as it undermines the essential principle that the signer must act of their own free will. By refusing to proceed, the notary protects both the individual being coerced and the legal validity of the notarization itself. Notaries have a responsibility to uphold the law and maintain ethical standards in their practice. If coercion is suspected, moving forward with the notarization would violate these principles and potentially lead to legal repercussions or disputes regarding the validity of the document. In contrast, simply ignoring the concern would leave the notary complicit in unethical behavior. Asking for additional witnesses could add complexity but would not address the core issue of coercion. The most responsible and ethical course of action is to decline to notarize the document.