Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is one responsibility of a notary public when performing a notarization?

1. To provide legal advice to the signer

2. To verify the signer’s identity

3. To draft the document being notarized

4. To retain a copy of the signed document

The correct answer is: To verify the signer’s identity

One responsibility of a notary public when performing a notarization is to verify the signer’s identity. This is a critical step in the notarization process because it ensures that the individual signing the document is indeed the person they claim to be. Verifying identity helps to prevent fraud and protects the integrity of the notarization, as it confirms that the signer understands the document they are signing and is doing so willingly and without coercion. Notaries typically use various forms of identification, such as government-issued ID cards or passports, to confirm the signer's identity. This step is essential for maintaining public trust in the notarization process, as it ensures that only legitimate parties are involved in the signing of legal documents. As a result, this responsibility is fundamental to the role of a notary public and underscores their importance in legal and business transactions.