Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is a notary's obligation towards the signers of a document?

1. To provide a legal explanation of the document

2. To ensure the signing is done willingly and knowingly

3. To draft the document being signed

4. To inform the signers of notary fees

The correct answer is: To ensure the signing is done willingly and knowingly

A notary's primary obligation towards the signers of a document is to ensure that the signing is done willingly and knowingly. This means the notary must verify that the individuals involved understand the nature of the document they are signing and are doing so without any coercion or undue influence. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the notarization process. The role of the notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of the document, confirming that the signers are who they claim to be, and that they are signing the document under their own free will. This obligation helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the signatures on the document are valid and reliable. While informing signers about notary fees, drafting documents, or providing legal explanations can be relevant in some contexts, they are not central to the notary's primary responsibility, which revolves around verifying the voluntary and informed nature of the signing process.