Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is required to notarize an electronic document?

1. A witness present during signing

2. A digital signature and a physical seal

3. An electronic seal and signature

4. Approval from a government official

The correct answer is: An electronic seal and signature

To notarize an electronic document, the requirement is to use an electronic seal and signature. This process is key in ensuring that the notarial act is recognized in a digital format. The electronic seal serves to authenticate the notary's authority, much like a traditional ink seal on a physical document, while the electronic signature verifies the identity of the notary and their intent to notarize the document. This is in line with modern laws and regulations governing electronic notarization, which emphasize the need for secure and verifiable digital methods to replace the traditional notarization processes that rely on physical documents. The other options do not meet the requirements for electronic notarization. A witness during signing could be a requirement in some contexts but is not a standard requirement for electronic notarizations. Similarly, a digital signature paired with a physical seal is a misrepresentation of the current practices, as both needs to be electronic. Approval from a government official is not necessary for the notary to carry out electronic notarization, as the notary already has the authority to perform these acts under applicable laws. Thus, the focus on using both an electronic seal and signature aligns with the requirements for properly executing notarizations in the digital realm.