IL-Notary Official Seal and Stamp Specifications and Security Flashcards

Under Illinois law, which shape is approved for a notary's official seal?

Answer: Either a circle or rectangle

Illinois law permits the official notary seal to be either circular or rectangular in form.

What information must appear in an Illinois notary's official seal?

Answer: Name, 'Notary Public', 'State of Illinois', and county of commission

The Illinois Notary Public Act requires the seal to include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public', 'State of Illinois', and the county where commissioned.

An Illinois notary's employer demands the notary hand over the official seal at the end of each workday. Is this permissible?

Answer: No, the seal belongs solely to the notary and must remain in the notary's custody

The official seal is the property of the notary personally, regardless of who paid for it, and must remain under the notary's exclusive control.

Which ink color is most commonly required or recommended for Illinois notary ink stamps to ensure legibility on photocopies?

Answer: Blue or black

Blue or black ink is required or recommended so the stamp impression reproduces clearly on photocopies.

An Illinois notary moves to a different county but keeps the same seal showing the old county. What should the notary do?

Answer: Obtain a new seal reflecting the current county

The seal must accurately reflect the notary's county of commission, so a move that changes commission county requires a new seal.

What is the maximum allowable diameter for a circular Illinois notary seal?

Answer: 2 inches

Illinois law specifies that a circular notary seal may not exceed 2 inches in diameter.

Why must an Illinois notary seal impression be reproducible on photocopies?

Answer: Because original documents are rarely retained and copies must be legally sufficient

Because many documents are retained as photocopies rather than originals, the seal must produce a legible impression that can be reproduced.