FREE IL-Notary Identifying and Avoiding Prohibited Acts and Conflicts of Interest Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Illinois notary is asked to notarize their spouse's signature on a deed for a property they jointly own. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize because it is a prohibited conflict of interest.

Answer

Proceed with the notarization since the signer is a family member.

Answer

Notarize the document but make a special note in the journal.

Answer

Ask another notary in the office to notarize it while they watch.

Question 2

A signer presents a document and asks the notary, 'Should I use an acknowledgment or a jurat for this?' How must the notary respond?

Accepted Answer

Explain that they cannot choose the certificate and must ask the document's originator or a lawyer.

Answer

Advise them that a jurat is more secure.

Answer

Choose the acknowledgment because it is more common.

Answer

Attach both an acknowledgment and a jurat certificate.

Question 3

Under what circumstances may an Illinois notary advertise their services using the phrase 'Notario Publico'?

Accepted Answer

If they are also a licensed Illinois attorney.

Answer

If they serve a predominantly Spanish-speaking community.

Answer

If they post a sign explaining the duties of a notary.

Answer

Under no circumstances.

Question 4

A signer presents a contract for notarization, but the space for the final payment amount is left blank. The signer promises to fill it in later. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to notarize the document until the blank space is filled in.

Answer

Notarize the document and have the signer initial the blank space.

Answer

Proceed with the notarization, as the notary is not a party to the contract.

Answer

Fill in the blank space with 'N/A' and then notarize.

Question 5

Which of the following acts is strictly prohibited for an Illinois Notary Public?

Accepted Answer

Notarizing their own signature.

Answer

Notarizing for a coworker.

Answer

Charging the maximum statutory fee.

Answer

Notarizing a document written in a foreign language.

Question 6

A client asks a notary to change the date on a notarial certificate to the previous business day to meet a deadline. The notary must:

Accepted Answer

Refuse the request as it is illegal and unethical.

Answer

Comply with the request if the client signs a waiver.

Answer

Agree to the request but charge an extra fee.

Answer

Advise the client to alter the date themselves after the notarization.