IL Notary Official Seal and Stamp Specifications and Security 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information must appear on an Illinois notary's official seal?
- Only the notary's name and state
- The notary's name, commission expiration date, county, and the words 'Notary Public' and 'State of Illinois' (Correct answer)
- The notary's name and a unique ID number only
- Any design the notary chooses
Correct answer: The notary's name, commission expiration date, county, and the words 'Notary Public' and 'State of Illinois'
An Illinois notary seal must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, county, and the designations 'Notary Public' and 'State of Illinois'.
The Illinois Notary Public Act specifies that every notary's official seal must contain several required elements.
Question 2: What type of seal is required for Illinois notaries?
- Only an embossed seal
- Only a rubber ink stamp
- Either a rubber ink stamp or embossed seal (Correct answer)
- A digital seal only
Correct answer: Either a rubber ink stamp or embossed seal
Illinois allows notaries to use either a rubber ink stamp or an embossed seal.
Illinois law permits notaries to use either a rubber ink stamp or a traditional embossed seal.
Question 3: How must an Illinois notary secure their seal when not in use?
- Keep it in a locked area under the notary's exclusive control (Correct answer)
- Leave it on their desk for easy access
- Give it to their supervisor for safekeeping
- Store it with the county clerk
Correct answer: Keep it in a locked area under the notary's exclusive control
Illinois notaries must keep their seal in a secure, locked location under their exclusive control.
An Illinois notary is responsible for the security of their official seal at all times.
Question 4: What should an Illinois notary do if their seal is lost or stolen?
- Wait and see if it turns up
- Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a replacement immediately (Correct answer)
- Continue notarizing without a seal
- Use a colleague's seal temporarily
Correct answer: Notify the Secretary of State and obtain a replacement immediately
A lost or stolen seal must be reported to the Secretary of State, and a replacement obtained.
If an Illinois notary's seal is lost or stolen, they must immediately notify the Secretary of State's office.
Question 5: Can an Illinois notary use their seal on a blank piece of paper for someone to use later?
- Yes, if the person is known and trusted
- Yes, for convenience in time-sensitive situations
- No, the seal may only be affixed at the time of the notarial act (Correct answer)
- No, unless the notary signs the blank page
Correct answer: No, the seal may only be affixed at the time of the notarial act
An Illinois notary must never pre-stamp blank pages. The seal may only be affixed at the time the notarial act is performed.
Pre-stamping blank pages or documents is strictly prohibited for Illinois notaries.
Question 6: If an Illinois notary changes their name, what must happen to their seal?
- Add a sticker with the new name over the old one
- Continue using the old seal until it wears out
- Obtain a new seal with the updated name and destroy the old seal (Correct answer)
- File a name change notice with the seal vendor
Correct answer: Obtain a new seal with the updated name and destroy the old seal
When a notary's legal name changes, they must obtain a new seal and destroy the old one.
An Illinois notary's seal must exactly match their current legal name as it appears on their commission.
IL Notary Official Seal and Stamp Specifications and Security 2
What information must appear on an Illinois notary's official seal?