Illinois Notary Public Exam | Latest Verified Questions and Detailed Answers

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Illinois Notary Public Exam | Latest Verified
Questions and Detailed Answers

OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This comprehensive set of multiple-choice questions is designed for the Illinois Notary
Public Exam by covering the essential provisions of the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS
312/). Topics include eligibility and application requirements, the $5,000 surety bond,
proper notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths), acceptable identification, prohibited
acts (e.g., certifying copies of vital records), fees, seal and journal requirements, remote
online notarization (RON) rules, misconduct penalties, and commission renewal or
revocation. Each question includes the correct answer and a concise expert rationale to
reinforce understanding of Illinois-specific notary law and ethical duties.

QUESTION 1

A notary public in Illinois is primarily appointed by which government official?
A) The Governor of Illinois

B) The Secretary of State
C) The County Clerk

D) The Chief Judge of the Circuit Court

CORRECT ANSWER: B


EXPERT RATIONALE: The Illinois Secretary of State has exclusive authority to appoint and
commission notaries public under the Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312/).




QUESTION 2

What is the minimum age requirement to become an Illinois notary public?
A) 21 years old

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B) 18 years old

C) 25 years old
D) No minimum age


CORRECT ANSWER: B

EXPERT RATIONALE: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a notary

commission under Illinois law.




QUESTION 3
Which of the following is a basic eligibility requirement for an Illinois notary applicant?

A) Must be a registered voter in Illinois
B) Must be a legal resident of Illinois or have a place of employment in Illinois

C) Must own property in Illinois
D) Must be a U.S. citizen


CORRECT ANSWER: B

EXPERT RATIONALE: Illinois requires either residency or a principal place of employment

within the state; citizenship is not required.




QUESTION 4
How long is the term of a standard Illinois notary public commission?

A) 2 years
B) 4 years

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C) 10 years

D) Lifetime

CORRECT ANSWER: B


EXPERT RATIONALE: Under the Illinois Notary Public Act, a notary commission is valid
for a term of four years unless revoked earlier.




QUESTION 5

What must an applicant do before receiving a notary commission?
A) Pass a written exam

B) File a $10,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State
C) Submit a $5,000 surety bond to the county clerk

D) Complete 20 hours of training

CORRECT ANSWER: C


EXPERT RATIONALE: Illinois requires a $5,000 surety bond, filed with the county clerk
where the notary resides or works, to protect the public from misconduct.




QUESTION 6

If a notary’s commission expires, what happens to the notary’s seal?
A) It may still be used for 30 days after expiration

B) It must be surrendered to the Secretary of State

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C) It should be destroyed or rendered unusable

D) It remains valid until the notary renews

CORRECT ANSWER: C


EXPERT RATIONALE: Upon expiration or resignation, the notary must destroy or deface
the seal to prevent unauthorized use.




QUESTION 7

An Illinois notary may charge a maximum fee of how much for performing an
acknowledgment?

A) $1.00
B) $5.00

C) $10.00
D) No statutory maximum


CORRECT ANSWER: B

EXPERT RATIONALE: Illinois law sets the maximum fee for most notarial acts, including

acknowledgments, at $5.00 per signature.




QUESTION 8
Which act is NOT permitted for an Illinois notary?

A) Taking an acknowledgment
B) Administering an oath