Illinois Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What should an Illinois notary do if a document is presented for notarization but is incomplete?

Notarize the document and let the signer complete it later
Refuse to notarize the document until it is properly completed (Correct answer)
Notarize the document and make a note in the journal about its incompleteness
Notarize the document as long as the signature is on it

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize the document until it is properly completed

A notary's role is to verify signatures and administer oaths, not to draft or complete documents. Notarizing an incomplete document could facilitate fraud or lead to legal issues if information is added later without the signer's knowledge. Therefore, an Illinois notary must refuse to notarize until all blanks are filled in and the document is fully prepared for signing.

Question 2: Under Illinois law, which of the following documents may a notary public NOT certify as a true copy?

A birth certificate issued by a government agency (Correct answer)
A personal letter written by the signer
A photograph taken by the signer
A private contract between two individuals

Correct answer: A birth certificate issued by a government agency

Illinois notaries may not certify copies of vital records such as birth certificates because these are publicly recorded documents that must be obtained as certified copies directly from the issuing government authority.

Question 3: What should an Illinois notary do if they move to a different address during their commission term?

Notify the Secretary of State of the address change within 30 days (Correct answer)
Reapply for a new notary commission with the updated address
Submit a written request to have their seal updated with the new address
Nothing, as the address change does not affect the notary commission

Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State of the address change within 30 days

An Illinois notary public is required to keep their information updated with the Secretary of State's office. If a notary moves to a new address, they must notify the Secretary of State of this change within 30 days. This ensures that their official records are accurate and that they can receive important communications regarding their commission.

Question 4: An Illinois notary's commission is about to expire. How far in advance may they submit a renewal application?

Exactly 30 days before expiration
Up to 90 days before expiration
Only after the current commission expires
Up to 6 months before expiration (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Up to 6 months before expiration

Illinois allows notaries to submit renewal applications up to six months before their commission expires.

Question 5: Which of the following best describes an Illinois notary's obligation when a signer requests legal advice about the document being notarized?

Explain the document fully as part of good notarial service
Provide basic guidance but disclaim it is not legal advice
Refuse to give legal advice and refer the signer to an attorney (Correct answer)
Answer only if the notary has a law degree

Correct answer: Refuse to give legal advice and refer the signer to an attorney

Notaries are prohibited from practicing law; giving legal advice—including explaining document terms—constitutes the unauthorized practice of law in Illinois.

Question 6: When a third party—such as a bank—requires an embossed seal impression, what additional step can an Illinois notary take to ensure legibility?

Apply red ink over the embossed impression
Attach a separate signed affidavit describing the embossed image
Use a highlighter to trace the embossed area
Place a photocopy-ready ink stamp alongside the embossed impression (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Place a photocopy-ready ink stamp alongside the embossed impression

Because embossed impressions do not reproduce well on photocopies, notaries sometimes also apply an ink stamp near the embossed impression to ensure the seal is legible on copies.

Question 7: Before performing any notarial act, what must an Illinois notary always confirm?

That the document has been filed with a government agency
That the signer is personally present and properly identified (Correct answer)
That the document was prepared by an attorney
That the signer has paid the fee

Correct answer: That the signer is personally present and properly identified

The signer must be physically present and properly identified for every notarial act.

Question 8: Under Illinois law, how does the wording of an affirmation differ from that of an oath when a notary administers it?

An affirmation is conveyed only in writing and is never spoken aloud
An affirmation requires the signer to raise their left hand rather than their right
An affirmation substitutes 'affirm' for 'swear' and contains no reference to a deity or religious invocation (Correct answer)
An affirmation omits any reference to truthfulness or honesty

Correct answer: An affirmation substitutes 'affirm' for 'swear' and contains no reference to a deity or religious invocation

An affirmation carries the same legal force as an oath but replaces 'swear' with 'affirm' and removes any religious reference. This makes it appropriate for signers who have conscientious or religious objections to taking a traditional oath.

Question 9: An Illinois notary is presented with a document that has blank spaces in critical sections. What should they do?

Notarize it as-is since document content is not the notary's concern
Refuse to notarize until the blanks are completed (Correct answer)
Fill in the blanks for the signer
Note the blanks in the journal and proceed

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize until the blanks are completed

An Illinois notary should refuse to notarize a document with significant blank spaces.

Question 10: If a principal requests a copy of the journal entry related to their own notarized document, how should the notary respond?

Always refuse, as all journal entries are strictly confidential by law
Direct them to the Secretary of State's office for copies of notarial records
Provide a copy immediately at no charge as Illinois law mandates
Provide a copy but may charge a reasonable fee for the service (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provide a copy but may charge a reasonable fee for the service

A notary may provide copies of journal entries to parties who were involved in the notarial act and may charge a reasonable fee for doing so.

Question 11: A credible witness may be used in an Illinois oath ceremony when:

The document exceeds ten pages
The signer lacks acceptable identification (Correct answer)
The notary is also a party to the document
The signer refuses to raise their right hand

Correct answer: The signer lacks acceptable identification

A credible witness personally known to the notary can vouch for the identity of a signer who cannot produce acceptable ID.

Question 12: Can the Illinois Secretary of State revoke a notary's commission? Under what circumstances?

Never; only a court can revoke a commission
Yes, for misconduct, fraud, or violations of the Notary Public Act (Correct answer)
Only after three formal complaints
Only if the notary requests it

Correct answer: Yes, for misconduct, fraud, or violations of the Notary Public Act

The Secretary of State has authority to revoke a commission for misconduct, fraud, or violations.

Question 13: Does Illinois require notary applicants to pass an examination?

Yes, a comprehensive written exam administered by the Secretary of State
Yes, but only for RON authorization
Yes, an oral examination before a judge
No, Illinois does not require an examination for standard notary commissions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, Illinois does not require an examination for standard notary commissions

Illinois does not require an examination for standard notary commissions.

Question 14: An Illinois notary is presented with a document that has no notarial certificate. What should they do?

Use a generic certificate that covers both acknowledgments and jurats
Refuse to notarize until the signer adds one
Add the appropriate notarial certificate based on the signer's needs (Correct answer)
Notarize without a certificate

Correct answer: Add the appropriate notarial certificate based on the signer's needs

If a document lacks a notarial certificate, the notary may attach the appropriate one.

Question 15: Is an Illinois notary responsible for verifying the truthfulness of a document's contents?

No, the notary verifies identity and willingness, not document content (Correct answer)
Yes, but only for financial documents
No, unless the document involves real estate
Yes, the notary must verify all facts in the document

Correct answer: No, the notary verifies identity and willingness, not document content

A notary's role is to verify the signer's identity, willingness, and awareness, not document content.

Question 16: What must an Illinois notary applicant submit along with their application to the Secretary of State?

Proof of U.S. citizenship only
Two letters of professional recommendation
A surety bond and the applicable application fee (Correct answer)
A completed background check form only

Correct answer: A surety bond and the applicable application fee

The Illinois notary application must be accompanied by the required $5,000 surety bond and payment of the applicable application fee.

Question 17: What is required to renew an Illinois notary commission before it expires?

Submitting a new application, bond, and oath of office (Correct answer)
Obtaining a recommendation from a sitting judge
Passing a notary examination
Simply paying the renewal fee

Correct answer: Submitting a new application, bond, and oath of office

Renewal requires a new application, a new surety bond, and a new oath of office.

Question 18: Which type of Illinois notarial act involves the signer making a sworn statement about the truth of a document's contents?

Verification upon oath or affirmation (jurat) (Correct answer)
Acknowledgment
Copy certification
Signature witnessing

Correct answer: Verification upon oath or affirmation (jurat)

A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the document's contents are true, with the notary administering the oath before the signer signs.

Question 19: How must an Illinois notary verify a signer's identity during a RON session?

The signer's verbal confirmation is sufficient
Through credential analysis and identity proofing (Correct answer)
Only through personal knowledge of the signer
By having the signer mail a copy of their ID afterward

Correct answer: Through credential analysis and identity proofing

RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including credential analysis of government-issued ID and identity proofing through knowledge-based authentication or similar methods.

Question 20: An Illinois notary is asked to notarize a document with visible alterations (crossed-out text, handwritten additions). How should they proceed?

Refuse to notarize any altered document
Have the signer initial all alterations before notarizing (Correct answer)
Require the document to be retyped
Ignore the alterations and proceed normally

Correct answer: Have the signer initial all alterations before notarizing

The signer should initial and date each alteration before notarization.

Question 21: What continuing education requirements does Illinois impose on commissioned notaries?

Illinois does not currently require continuing education for standard notaries (Correct answer)
20 hours every two years
A refresher course before each renewal
10 hours annually

Correct answer: Illinois does not currently require continuing education for standard notaries

Illinois does not currently impose mandatory continuing education for standard notaries.

Question 22: Which scenario requires a jurat rather than an acknowledgment in Illinois?

Signing a statutory power of attorney for property
Executing a mortgage for a home purchase
Making a sworn statement about facts in pending litigation (Correct answer)
Executing a deed transferring real estate ownership

Correct answer: Making a sworn statement about facts in pending litigation

A sworn statement about facts in litigation must be executed under oath, making a jurat the correct notarial act.

Question 23: When performing a notarial act in Illinois, a notary must positively identify the signer. Which of the following is an acceptable method of identification?

The notary recognizing the signer from a social media profile picture.
The oath or affirmation of a credible witness who is personally known to the notary. (Correct answer)
The signer presenting an expired driver's license.
The signer showing the notary a credit card with a photograph.

Correct answer: The oath or affirmation of a credible witness who is personally known to the notary.

Illinois law permits a notary to identify a signer through the oath or affirmation of a credible witness. This witness must be someone the notary personally knows and who also personally knows the signer. Other acceptable methods include the notary's personal knowledge of the signer or a valid, current government-issued identification document with a photo and signature.

Question 24: When must an Illinois notary complete and submit their bond to the Secretary of State?

After their commission has been approved
Before taking the oath of office (Correct answer)
Within 60 days after the end of their commission term
Within 30 days of receiving their commission

Correct answer: Before taking the oath of office

In Illinois, a notary public must obtain and submit a surety bond to the Secretary of State's office as part of the commissioning process. This bond must be filed before the notary takes their oath of office. It serves as a prerequisite to becoming officially commissioned and authorized to perform notarial acts, providing financial protection to the public.

Question 25: When is an Illinois notary required to update their publicly displayed fee schedule?

Whenever the notary changes the fees they actually charge (Correct answer)
Every January 1st, regardless of whether fees have changed
Only when the state legislature amends the maximum allowable fee
Each time the notary's commission is renewed

Correct answer: Whenever the notary changes the fees they actually charge

The displayed fee schedule must accurately reflect the fees the notary currently charges. Any time a notary adjusts their fees — upward or downward — the posted schedule must be updated to match so the public is not misled.

Question 26: How long must an Illinois RON notary retain electronic journals and audio-video recordings of notarial sessions?

5 years
10 years (Correct answer)
3 years
1 year

Correct answer: 10 years

Under Illinois RON rules, electronic journals and audio-video recordings must be retained for 10 years after the date of the notarial act.

Question 27: When a notarization involves a deed or other document conveying real property in Illinois, what additional item may the notary be required to record in the journal?

The full Social Security number of each signer
A witness signature from a disinterested third party
The signer's right thumbprint impression (Correct answer)
A color photocopy of the signer's government-issued identification

Correct answer: The signer's right thumbprint impression

For high-risk documents such as deeds conveying real property, Illinois law may require the notary to obtain and record the signer's right thumbprint in the journal. This provides an additional layer of identity verification for transactions that are frequent targets of fraud.

Question 28: Which of the following acts is strictly prohibited for an Illinois Notary Public?

Notarizing for a coworker.
Notarizing their own signature. (Correct answer)
Notarizing a document written in a foreign language.
Charging the maximum statutory fee.

Correct answer: Notarizing their own signature.

A notary public serves as an impartial, third-party witness to a transaction. Notarizing one's own signature is a fundamental violation of this principle and a clear conflict of interest. A notary can never be a signer on a document for which they are also performing the notarization.

Question 29: A bilingual notary in Illinois charges an extra $3 language assistance fee on top of the $5 notarial fee. Under Illinois law, this practice is:

Not expressly authorized by the Notary Public Act, creating legal uncertainty (Correct answer)
Required under equal access provisions
Expressly authorized for bilingual notaries
Permissible because language services are separate from notarial acts

Correct answer: Not expressly authorized by the Notary Public Act, creating legal uncertainty

The Illinois Notary Public Act does not expressly authorize add-on language fees, making such charges legally uncertain and potentially challengeable.

Question 30: Under Illinois law, which of the following individuals is NOT legally capable of making an oath or affirmation before a notary?

A non-U.S. citizen legally present in Illinois
A person who is unconscious or severely incapacitated at the time (Correct answer)
A minor who understands the nature of an oath
A convicted felon who has served their sentence

Correct answer: A person who is unconscious or severely incapacitated at the time

A person must be conscious, coherent, and capable of understanding the nature and obligation of the oath—an unconscious or severely incapacitated person cannot legally swear or affirm.

Question 31: Must an Illinois notary complete a notarial certificate for every notarial act they perform?

Only if the signer requests it
No, the journal entry is sufficient
Yes, every notarial act must include a completed notarial certificate (Correct answer)
Only for real estate documents

Correct answer: Yes, every notarial act must include a completed notarial certificate

Every notarial act must be accompanied by a completed notarial certificate.

Question 32: The notarial certificate for a jurat in Illinois must include specific wording such as:

'I certify this is a true and correct copy...'
'Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me...' (Correct answer)
'Acknowledged before me...'
'Signed and sealed in my presence...'

Correct answer: 'Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me...'

Illinois law specifies the required wording for notarial certificates. The phrase 'Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me' is characteristic of a jurat, indicating the signing and the oath occurred in the notary's presence.

Question 33: Under Illinois law, which government officer has authority to set or change the maximum allowable notary fee?

The Governor by executive order
The Illinois General Assembly by amending the Notary Public Act (Correct answer)
The Secretary of State by administrative rule
The State Treasurer by fee schedule publication

Correct answer: The Illinois General Assembly by amending the Notary Public Act

Fee maximums are set by statute; only the Illinois General Assembly can amend the Notary Public Act to change those limits.

Question 34: Can an Illinois notary perform notarial acts in any county in the state?

Yes, anywhere within the state of Illinois (Correct answer)
Only in the county where their bond is filed
Only where authorized by the county clerk
Only in contiguous counties

Correct answer: Yes, anywhere within the state of Illinois

An Illinois notary's commission is valid statewide.

Question 35: Under Illinois law, who is responsible for the safekeeping of a notary's official seal?

The Illinois Secretary of State's office
The notary public personally (Correct answer)
The county clerk who issued the commission
The notary's employer or supervising attorney

Correct answer: The notary public personally

The notary public personally bears the responsibility for safekeeping of their official seal. The seal is the exclusive property and responsibility of the individual notary, regardless of who paid for it.

Question 36: Under the Illinois Notary Public Act, what is the geographic scope of a notary's authority?

Limited to their congressional district
Statewide throughout Illinois (Correct answer)
Nationwide
Limited to their county of residence

Correct answer: Statewide throughout Illinois

An Illinois notary's commission authorizes them to perform notarial acts anywhere within the state.

Question 37: Which of the following statements about an Illinois notary advertising notary services in a language other than English is TRUE?

It is allowed, but the advertisement must include a disclaimer that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice (Correct answer)
It is allowed without restriction as long as the fees charged are accurate
It is always prohibited unless the notary holds a bilingual certification
It is permitted only in counties where that language is co-official

Correct answer: It is allowed, but the advertisement must include a disclaimer that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice

Illinois law allows notaries to advertise in languages other than English, but requires the advertisement to clearly state that the notary is not an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois and cannot give legal advice, preventing consumers from confusing notarial services with legal representation.

Question 38: Which statement best describes the role of an Illinois notary public when notarizing a document?

The notary verifies that the document's contents are accurate and legally binding
The notary assumes legal responsibility for the document's enforceability after notarization
The notary becomes the official custodian of the document after performing the notarial act
The notary acts as an impartial witness to the signer's identity and the act of signing, not as a guarantor of the document's substance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The notary acts as an impartial witness to the signer's identity and the act of signing, not as a guarantor of the document's substance

A notary's role is to serve as an impartial witness — verifying identity and the signing act — without certifying the legal validity or factual accuracy of the document's content.

Question 39: Which Illinois state official is responsible for commissioning notaries public?

The Secretary of State (Correct answer)
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
The Governor
The Attorney General

Correct answer: The Secretary of State

The Illinois Secretary of State is responsible for commissioning notaries public.

Question 40: How does Illinois law define a 'notarial act'?

Any service a notary charges a fee for
A specific act authorized by the Notary Public Act including acknowledgments, oaths, and jurats (Correct answer)
Any action taken by a notary during business hours
Any document signed by a notary

Correct answer: A specific act authorized by the Notary Public Act including acknowledgments, oaths, and jurats

A notarial act is one of the specific acts authorized by the Illinois Notary Public Act.

Question 41: What is the maximum allowable diameter for a circular Illinois notary seal?

2½ inches
1½ inches
2 inches (Correct answer)
1 inch

Correct answer: 2 inches

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

Question 42: What is the notary's obligation regarding an oath or affirmation when completing a jurat in Illinois?

The notary must administer an oath or affirmation attesting to the truthfulness of the document's contents (Correct answer)
An oath is required only when the jurat is used for a court filing
The oath is replaced by the notary's official seal and signature
Administering an oath or affirmation is optional if the signer provides valid photo ID

Correct answer: The notary must administer an oath or affirmation attesting to the truthfulness of the document's contents

A jurat is defined in part by the administration of an oath or affirmation in which the signer swears or affirms that the contents of the document are true. This step is mandatory and cannot be waived or substituted.

Question 43: For an oath or affirmation to be legally effective in Illinois, what must be true about the signer's understanding?

The signer must have a high school diploma or equivalent education
The signer must have previously made an oath before a different notary
The signer must understand they are making a legally binding sworn statement (Correct answer)
The signer must understand the full legal definition of perjury

Correct answer: The signer must understand they are making a legally binding sworn statement

The essential requirement is that the signer understands they are making a solemn, legally binding commitment to the truth—specific legal knowledge is not required.

Question 44: When should the journal entry for a notarial act be made?

At the time of or immediately after performing the notarial act (Correct answer)
Within 48 hours of performing the notarial act
At the end of each business day for all acts performed that day
Within one week of the notarial act as long as details are remembered

Correct answer: At the time of or immediately after performing the notarial act

Journal entries should be made at the time of the act or immediately afterward to ensure completeness and accuracy.

Question 45: What is the maximum width allowed for a rectangular Illinois notary seal?

2½ inches
3½ inches (Correct answer)
1 inch
2 inches

Correct answer: 3½ inches

Illinois law specifies that a rectangular notary seal may not exceed 3½ inches in width.

Question 46: For which notarial act must the signer personally appear before the notary and swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true?

Witnessing a signature
Jurat (Correct answer)
Acknowledgment
Certified Copy

Correct answer: Jurat

A jurat requires the signer to be in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation regarding the truthfulness of the document's contents. The notary certifies that the oath was taken and the document was signed in their presence.

Question 47: Which of the following acts does NOT require an Illinois notary to administer an oath or affirmation?

Taking a deposition
Performing an acknowledgment (Correct answer)
Executing a jurat
Swearing in a witness

Correct answer: Performing an acknowledgment

An acknowledgment requires the signer to acknowledge their signature but does not require an oath or affirmation.

Question 48: What is the primary purpose of an acknowledgment?

To have the signer swear the contents of the document are true.
To create a certified copy of the document.
To witness the signing of the document without verifying identity.
To verify the signer's identity and that they signed willingly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To verify the signer's identity and that they signed willingly.

An acknowledgment confirms the signer's identity and that they executed the document for the purposes stated within it, of their own free will. It does not certify the truthfulness of the document's contents, which is the purpose of a jurat.

Question 49: After completing a RON session, where must an Illinois notary store the electronic journal entry and audio-visual recording?

Printed and stored in a physical lockbox at the notary's business address
In a secure repository with controlled access and tamper-evident protection (Correct answer)
On the notary's personal home computer hard drive
Uploaded to the Illinois Secretary of State's public portal

Correct answer: In a secure repository with controlled access and tamper-evident protection

Illinois requires RON records to be kept in a secure, access-controlled electronic repository that protects against unauthorized access and tampering.

Question 50: What forms of identification are acceptable for an Illinois notary to verify a signer's identity?

Only a driver's license
A signed letter from a known person
Any government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport (Correct answer)
A utility bill or bank statement

Correct answer: Any government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport

Illinois accepts current government-issued photo identification documents.

Question 51: If an Illinois notary makes an error on a notarial certificate, what is the correct way to fix it?

Create an entirely new notarial certificate
Use white-out and write over it
Leave it and note the error in the journal
Draw a single line through the error, correct it, and initial (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, correct it, and initial

Minor errors should be corrected by drawing a single line through the error and initialing.

Question 52: If an Illinois notary chooses to maintain a journal for paper notarizations, what is the most important reason for doing so?

To meet a requirement for renewing their commission.
To serve as credible evidence in case a notarization is questioned or challenged. (Correct answer)
To create a mailing list of clients.
To track income for tax purposes.

Correct answer: To serve as credible evidence in case a notarization is questioned or challenged.

A notary journal is the notary's official record of their acts and serves as powerful evidence to protect both the public and the notary. If a notarization is ever challenged in court, a properly maintained journal can prove the act was performed correctly.

Question 53: What is the minimum retention period for the audio-visual recording of a Remote Online Notarization (RON) session in Illinois?

7 years (Correct answer)
5 years
1 year
3 years

Correct answer: 7 years

Illinois law requires that the complete audio-visual recording of a RON session be securely stored. This recording serves as critical evidence of the notarial act and must be retained by the notary or a designated third party for a minimum of seven years.

Illinois Notary Public Exam

The Illinois Notary Public Exam is a 50-question test required by the Illinois Secretary of State for all new notary applicants. Candidates must score 85% or higher after completing a mandatory 3-hour course of study covering Illinois notary laws, procedures, and ethical responsibilities.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

85%

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