Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What is the role of a notary in verifying a signer’s identity?

1. To collect personal information from the signer

2. To ensure the individual is who they claim to be using valid identification

3. To conduct a background check on the signer

4. To witness the signing of the document

The correct answer is: To ensure the individual is who they claim to be using valid identification

The role of a notary in verifying a signer’s identity primarily involves ensuring that the individual is indeed who they claim to be, typically through the use of valid identification. This is a critical responsibility of a notary, as it helps to prevent fraud and maintains the integrity of the notarization process. A notary must confirm that the identification presented is current and contains a photograph of the signer, along with other identifying details, which further supports the verification process. In contrast, collecting personal information from the signer or conducting a background check goes beyond the standard duties of a notary. The notary does not engage in gathering additional personal data beyond what is necessary for identification and notarization. Also, while witnessing the signing of a document is an important task of a notary, it is secondary to the necessity of first verifying the identity of the signer. Establishing that the signer is indeed the individual they present themselves as is the foundation on which all other responsibilities, including witnessing the signing, are built.