Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is a certificate of acknowledgment?

1. A declaration of identity

2. A witness statement

3. A notary's statement that the signer acknowledged signing voluntarily

4. A record of the notary's fees

The correct answer is: A notary's statement that the signer acknowledged signing voluntarily

A certificate of acknowledgment serves as a formal statement from the notary public, confirming that the signer has acknowledged their act of signing a document voluntarily and with an understanding of its implications. This is crucial for ensuring that the signature is genuine and that the signer was not coerced or misled into signing. This certificate typically includes details such as the date of the acknowledgment, the identity of the signer, and the notary's official seal. It provides legal assurance that the document is valid and can be relied upon, particularly in situations where the authenticity of the signature may later be questioned. The other options do not align with the definition of a certificate of acknowledgment: a declaration of identity focuses on confirming who the signer is, a witness statement refers to a different type of affirmation by a third party, and a record of the notary's fees simply details the compensation for notarial services rather than verifying the legitimacy of the document signing process.