Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes an Illinois Notary Public's primary role?

1. To draft legal documents

2. To serve as a witness for signing documents

3. To administer oaths and verify signatures

4. To provide legal counsel

The correct answer is: To administer oaths and verify signatures

The primary role of an Illinois Notary Public is to administer oaths and verify signatures. This involves ensuring that individuals signing a document are doing so willingly and understand the contents of the document they are signing. By administering oaths, the notary adds a layer of authenticity to sworn statements or affidavits. Additionally, when verifying signatures, the notary confirms the identity of the signers, which helps prevent fraud and ensures that documents are legally binding. The functions of a notary are clearly defined by law, focusing on witnessing signatures of parties involved in transactions requiring notarization, such as contracts or property deeds, rather than drafting documents or providing legal counsel. Thus, the emphasis on administering oaths and verifying signatures is paramount to the duties of a notary public in Illinois.