Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is the role of a notary in administering an oath?

1. To witness the signing of the document

2. To ensure the individual swears or affirms the truthfulness of statements

3. To verify the identity of the person taking the oath

4. To advise the individual on legal matters

The correct answer is: To ensure the individual swears or affirms the truthfulness of statements

The role of a notary in administering an oath is primarily to ensure that the individual swears or affirms the truthfulness of the statements they are making. This involves the notary taking the necessary steps to confirm that the person understands the importance of providing truthful information and is making a commitment to do so, typically under penalty of perjury. When administering an oath, the notary will typically read the oath aloud and may ask the individual to affirm their understanding and commitment verbally. This is a critical component of the notarial process, as it upholds the integrity of documents and statements that are sworn or affirmed, thereby creating legal accountability for the individual. While verifying the identity of the person taking the oath and witnessing document signings are important aspects of a notary's duties, these activities are secondary to the primary responsibility of ensuring the truthfulness of the individual's statements during the oath. Advising individuals on legal matters falls outside the scope of a notary’s responsibilities, as notaries are not permitted to give legal advice or suggest how documents should be completed.