Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is the penalty for notarizing a document when the signer is not present?

1. A warning from peers

2. Revocation of commission and possible legal action

3. A small fine

4. Mandatory training

The correct answer is: Revocation of commission and possible legal action

Notarizing a document without the signer present is a serious violation of notarial law and ethics. In Illinois, this action undermines the integrity of the notarial process, which relies on the notary's personal knowledge of the signer and their willingness to sign the document. The consequences for such an improper act are significant, reflecting the importance of maintaining trust in notarial services. The revocation of a notary's commission indicates that they can no longer perform notarizations professionally, effectively ending their authority to act as an official notary. Additionally, the potential for legal action represents the broader liability that can arise from misconduct in the role. This can include penalties or fines, as well as civil suits from parties harmed by the improper notarization. In contrast, other options reflect lesser consequences that do not align with the seriousness of notarizing without the signer's presence. For instance, a warning from peers lacks the formal repercussions necessary to address such a breach of duty. Likewise, a small fine or mandatory training, while potentially relevant in other contexts, simply do not capture the gravity of improperly notarizing a document. Thus, the correct answer underscores the necessity for notaries to adhere strictly to regulations in order to preserve the validity of their work and protect