Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following must be included in a notary's official seal?

1. A signature of the notary

2. none

3. The name of the notary, the state of Illinois and notary's commission number

4. An expiration date for the commission

The correct answer is: The name of the notary, the state of Illinois and notary's commission number

The correct choice includes essential elements that are required to be present on a notary's official seal in Illinois. A notary seal must contain the name of the notary public, the state of Illinois, and the notary's commission number. These components are crucial for identifying the notary and affirming the authenticity of the notarial act. This information serves several purposes: it helps to prevent fraud by ensuring that the seal can be traced back to a licensed and commissioned notary, and it provides recipients of notarized documents with the necessary details to verify the notary's authority. Additionally, the inclusion of the commission number allows for easy access to the notary's record, further enhancing accountability and transparency in official documents. While a signature of the notary may be part of the notary's documentation or affidavit, it is not a requirement for the official seal. Likewise, an expiration date for the commission is not included in the seal but is documented separately in the notary's records. Therefore, focusing on the required elements specified ensures that the seal is compliant with legal standards in Illinois.