Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which of the following types of documents may require notarization?

1. Non-binding agreements

2. Purchase agreements for real estate

3. Casual letters between friends

4. Personal diary entries

The correct answer is: Purchase agreements for real estate

Notarization is a formal process intended to deter fraud and ensure that the parties involved in a transaction are who they claim to be, and that they are entering into agreements willingly and with an understanding of the terms. Among the options provided, purchase agreements for real estate are often complex legal documents that involve significant financial commitments. Because of this, they generally require notarization to provide an official acknowledgment of the signatures involved and to authenticate the document. Real estate transactions are subject to specific legal requirements, many of which are designed to protect the interests of all parties. Notarization adds a layer of credibility to the transaction, ensuring that the document can be relied upon in legal contexts. In contrast, non-binding agreements, casual letters, and personal diary entries do not typically carry such legal weight and often do not require notarization because they do not involve significant legal commitments or obligations.