Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What must a notary do if they change their address during their commission term?

1. Ignore the change

2. Notify the Illinois Secretary of State

3. Update their seal

4. Send a notice to the signer

The correct answer is: Notify the Illinois Secretary of State

When a notary changes their address during their commission term, it is essential for them to notify the Illinois Secretary of State. This is important because the Secretary of State maintains the official records of notaries, and having accurate and current information ensures that the public and interested parties can reach the notary if needed. Failing to inform the Secretary of State could lead to complications, such as the inability to properly verify the notary's credentials or reach them for important notifications related to their commission. Updating their seal, while potentially relevant to the notary's practice, is not a requirement specifically tied to an address change. Moreover, sending a notice to the signer is not a regulatory obligation; signers are typically informed of notarization details beforehand. Ignoring the change is not an acceptable action, as it could lead to legal and professional repercussions for the notary. Thus, notifying the Illinois Secretary of State is the correct and necessary step to maintain compliance during the commission period.