Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

When can an Illinois Notary Public perform a notarization?

1. When they are alone

2. Only when the signer is present

3. When the signer sends an email

4. At any time, without restrictions

The correct answer is: Only when the signer is present

The correct answer is that an Illinois Notary Public can perform a notarization only when the signer is present. This means that the individual whose signature is to be notarized must physically appear before the notary at the time of the notarization. This requirement is crucial as it helps to confirm the identity of the signer and to ensure that they are signing voluntarily and without coercion. The Illinois Notary Act stipulates that a notary must be able to witness the signing of the document, assess the signer’s understanding, and verify their identification in real-time. This is a fundamental element of the notarization process, reinforcing the integrity and authenticity of notarial acts. In contrast, situations such as being alone, receiving an email from a signer, or performing notarization without any restrictions do not meet the legal requirements for a valid notarization in Illinois. These alternate scenarios fail to provide the necessary oversight and verification mandated by law, which could potentially lead to fraudulent activities or disputes about the legitimacy of the notarization. Therefore, the emphasis on the presence of the signer is vital to uphold the standards of notarial practice in Illinois.