Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is prohibited for an Illinois Notary Public?

1. Providing legal advice related to documents being notarized

2. Collecting fees for notarization

3. Maintaining a notary journal

4. Witnessing signatures

The correct answer is: Providing legal advice related to documents being notarized

Providing legal advice related to documents being notarized is prohibited for an Illinois Notary Public because notaries are not licensed attorneys and, therefore, cannot offer legal guidance or opinions. The primary function of a notary is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to verify the identities of the signers. Engaging in the practice of law by offering legal advice can lead to unauthorized practice of law issues, which notaries must avoid to stay compliant with state regulations. In contrast, collecting fees for notarization is permissible within the limits set by state law, maintaining a notary journal is recommended and often required to keep a record of notarizations, and witnessing signatures is a fundamental duty of a notary. Therefore, the prohibition against providing legal advice is essential to maintaining the notary’s role as a neutral witness without crossing into legal counsel.