Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following is a primary duty of an Illinois Notary Public?

1. Preparing legal documents

2. Verifying the identity of document signers

3. Providing legal advice

4. Recording public documents

The correct answer is: Verifying the identity of document signers

The primary duty of an Illinois Notary Public is to verify the identity of document signers. This essential responsibility ensures that individuals signing documents are who they claim to be, which helps prevent fraud and protects the integrity of the notarized document. The notary does this by examining identification documents, such as a driver's license or passport, and ensuring that the signer is physically present during the notarization process. This process is crucial because it builds trust in the notarization system, as it confirms that the signer is willingly and knowingly entering into the agreement or declaration. By confirming identities, notaries play a vital role in various legal and financial transactions that require a notarized signature. Other duties, such as preparing legal documents, providing legal advice, and recording public documents, fall outside the scope of what a notary is authorized to do in Illinois. Notaries are specifically prohibited from giving legal opinions or preparing documents unless they are also licensed attorneys. Thus, verifying signers' identities remains the cornerstone of their functional duties.