Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What should a notary do when a signer presents a document that has been signed elsewhere?

1. Notarize it without question

2. Ensure the signer is the same person as stated in the document

3. Refuse to notarize under any circumstances

4. Advise the signer to get the document signed again

The correct answer is: Ensure the signer is the same person as stated in the document

When a signer presents a document that has already been signed elsewhere, the key responsibility of the notary is to verify the identity of the signer to ensure they are indeed the person stated in the document. This is crucial because notarization serves to confirm the identity of the individual executing the document, thus providing assurance that the person signing is doing so willingly and is who they claim to be. The notary must not only confirm the identity based on valid identification but also assess whether they can provide that service for the document presented. By focusing on verifying the identity of the signer, the notary fulfills their obligation to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of the notarization process, ensuring that all parties involved are legitimate and that the executed document can be trusted. Other choices do not focus on this essential aspect of notarization; simply proceeding without question, refusing to notarize entirely, or advising a re-signing do not align with the significant responsibility of identifying the signer accurately.