Free IL-Notary Official Seal and Stamp Specifications and Security Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Illinois law, what is the required shape for an official notary public's rubber stamp seal?
- Circular
- Rectangular (Correct answer)
- Square
- Oval
Correct answer: Rectangular
The Illinois Notary Public Act mandates that the official seal must be in a rectangular form. The dimensions must not exceed 1 inch in height by 2 1/2 inches in length, and it must contain specific information within a plain border.
Question 2: Which of the following pieces of information is NOT required to be on an Illinois notary's official seal?
- The notary's commission expiration date
- The words "Official Seal"
- The notary's commission number (Correct answer)
- The notary's official name
Correct answer: The notary's commission number
The Illinois Notary Public Act requires the seal to include the words "Official Seal," the notary's name as commissioned, "Notary Public," "State of Illinois," and the commission expiration date. The notary's commission number is not a required element on the seal itself.
Question 3: If a notary's official seal is lost or stolen, what is the legally required first action?
- Purchase a new seal immediately
- File a report with the local police department
- Publish a notice in a local newspaper
- Notify the Secretary of State in writing within 10 days (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State in writing within 10 days
Illinois law requires a notary to notify the Secretary of State's Index Department in writing within 10 days of the loss, theft, or compromise of their official seal. This is a critical step to prevent fraudulent use of the seal and is the primary mandated action.
Question 4: Regarding the security of the official seal, who is legally permitted to be in possession of it?
- The notary's employer, if they paid for the seal
- Only the notary public to whom it was issued (Correct answer)
- A designated administrative assistant in the notary's office
- Any manager in the notary's department
Correct answer: Only the notary public to whom it was issued
A notary's seal is their exclusive property and responsibility, regardless of who paid for it. The notary must keep the seal in their sole control and possession to prevent any possibility of unauthorized or fraudulent use.
Question 5: An Illinois notary's official seal must be made of what material?
- A metal embosser only
- A digital image only
- A rubber stamp that leaves a reproducible image (Correct answer)
- Either a metal embosser or a rubber stamp
Correct answer: A rubber stamp that leaves a reproducible image
The Illinois Notary Public Act specifies that the official seal must be a rubber stamp that uses ink capable of being photocopied or reproduced electronically. An embosser that only leaves a raised impression is not sufficient on its own as it does not meet the reproducibility requirement.
Question 6: Under which circumstance must an Illinois notary obtain a new official seal?
- When their commissioned name changes (Correct answer)
- Every time they move to a new address within Illinois
- Annually on the anniversary of their commission
- If they change employers but their name remains the same
Correct answer: When their commissioned name changes
A notary must get a new seal if their legally commissioned name changes, as the name on the seal must exactly match the name on their commission. A new seal is also required upon commission renewal to reflect the new expiration date.
Free IL-Notary Official Seal and Stamp Specifications and Security Questions and Answers 1
According to Illinois law, what is the required shape for an official notary public's rubber stamp seal?