Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about notarization is true?

1. A notary must be an attorney

2. Notaries educate signers about the contents of the documents

3. A notary provides a service to the public

4. A notary can create documents for the signers

The correct answer is: A notary provides a service to the public

The statement that a notary provides a service to the public is true because the primary role of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. This service helps prevent fraud and ensures that the identities of the signers are verified. Notaries act as guardians of the integrity of the documents they notarize, confirming that signers understand what they are signing and that they are doing so willingly, without undue pressure or coercion. This function is vital in many legal and financial transactions, thus underscoring the importance of the notary’s role within the community. In contrast, the other statements address misconceptions about the responsibilities and qualifications of notaries. For instance, it is not required for a notary to be an attorney, nor are notaries responsible for educating signers about the content of documents—they simply verify signatures and identities. Additionally, notaries do not create documents for signers, as their role is primarily to witness and authenticate the signing process rather than drafting or altering documents.