Illinois notary exam practice questions

New to the process? Start with how to become a notary in Illinois.

1. Under 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5, who must complete the course of study and pass the exam?

   1. Only notaries whose commission was revoked
   2. Only applicants who live in a bordering state
   3. Only applicants who notarize real estate documents
   4. First-time and renewing applicants, unless exempt
   Show the answer

   D. First-time and renewing applicants, unless exempt

   2-101.5 covers first-time applicants and those renewing, as notaries or electronic notaries.

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5 (ilga.gov)

2. Since what date has Illinois required the course of study and exam?

   1. October 1, 2020
   2. July 1, 2018
   3. January 1, 2027
   4. January 1, 2024
   Show the answer

   D. January 1, 2024

   176.205: applicants on or after January 1, 2024 must pass the course and exam.

   Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.205 (ilga.gov)

3. How long must an Illinois resident have lived in Illinois before applying?

   1. Six months
   2. 90 days
   3. One year
   4. 30 days
   Show the answer

   D. 30 days

   2-102(a): 30 days of Illinois residence.

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-102 (ilga.gov)

4. A resident of a bordering state may apply if they have:

   1. Lived in Illinois at any time before
   2. Worked or done business in Illinois for 30 days
   3. Voted in an Illinois election
   4. Owned Illinois real estate for one year
   Show the answer

   B. Worked or done business in Illinois for 30 days

   2-102(a): 30 days of work or business in Illinois.

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-102 (ilga.gov)

5. How long is a commission for an Illinois resident?

   1. Six years
   2. Two years
   3. Ten years
   4. Four years
   Show the answer

   D. Four years

   2-101(a).

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-101 (ilga.gov)

6. How long is a commission for a bordering-state resident who works in Illinois?

   1. One year
   2. Four years
   3. Six months
   4. Two years
   Show the answer

   A. One year

   2-101(a).

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/2-101 (ilga.gov)

7. What shape must the Illinois rubber stamp seal's border be?

   1. Any shape the notary likes
   2. Rectangular, serrated or milled
   3. Oval, with no border
   4. Round, with a smooth edge
   Show the answer

   B. Rectangular, serrated or milled

   3-101(a).

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-101 (ilga.gov)

8. What is the largest size the Illinois seal may be?

   1. 2 inches high and 4 inches long
   2. 1½ inches high and 3 inches long
   3. 2 inches across
   4. 1 inch high and 2½ inches long
   Show the answer

   D. 1 inch high and 2½ inches long

   3-101(a).

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-101 (ilga.gov)

9. For an acknowledgment, the notary must determine:

   1. That the signer lives in Illinois
   2. That the document is legally valid
   3. That the person appearing is the signer
   4. That the signer read every page aloud
   Show the answer

   C. That the person appearing is the signer

   6-102(a): by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence.

   Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-102 (ilga.gov)

10. Which is satisfactory evidence of identity under 6-102(d)?

    1. A credit card bearing the signer's name
    2. A phone call from the signer's employer
    3. A utility bill showing the signer's address
    4. A credible witness personally known to the notary
    Show the answer

    D. A credible witness personally known to the notary

    6-102(d).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-102 (ilga.gov)

11. May a notary notarize an instrument in which the notary is a party?

    1. Yes, if no fee is charged
    2. Yes, with a witness present
    3. No
    4. Yes, for real estate only
    Show the answer

    C. No

    6-104(b).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-104 (ilga.gov)

12. Which act does 6-104 prohibit?

    1. Refusing an act without giving a reason
    2. Keeping a bound paper journal at home
    3. Signing a blank affidavit or acknowledgment form
    4. Charging $5 for a paper acknowledgment
    Show the answer

    C. Signing a blank affidavit or acknowledgment form

    6-104(c).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-104 (ilga.gov)

13. Who must keep a journal under 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.900?

    1. Only notaries who charge fees
    2. Every notary, electronic or not
    3. Only notaries in Cook County
    4. Only electronic notaries
    Show the answer

    B. Every notary, electronic or not

    176.900.

    Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.900 (ilga.gov)

14. When must each notarial act be recorded?

    1. At the end of each month
    2. Within 30 days
    3. At the time of notarization
    4. At renewal
    Show the answer

    C. At the time of notarization

    176.900.

    Source: 14 Ill. Adm. Code 176.900 (ilga.gov)

15. Since January 1, 2026, the most an Illinois notary may charge for a non-electronic act is:

    1. $5
    2. $25
    3. $10
    4. $1
    Show the answer

    A. $5

    3-104(a) as amended by Public Act 104-0083.

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-104 (ilga.gov)

16. What is the maximum fee for an electronic notarial act?

    1. $50
    2. $10
    3. $25
    4. $5
    Show the answer

    C. $25

    3-104(b).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/3-104 (ilga.gov)

17. Which notaries may perform remote notarial acts with ink on paper by audio-video?

    1. Only attorneys
    2. Only Cook County notaries
    3. Only electronic notaries
    4. Any commissioned Illinois notary
    Show the answer

    D. Any commissioned Illinois notary

    6-102.5(a) and 2-102(b).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-102.5 (ilga.gov)

18. During a remote notarial act, the signer must attest to being:

    1. Over age 21
    2. Represented by a lawyer
    3. Physically located in Illinois
    4. A US citizen
    Show the answer

    C. Physically located in Illinois

    6-102.5(b).

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/6-102.5 (ilga.gov)

19. Who is liable for damages caused by a notary's official misconduct?

    1. No one
    2. Only the Secretary of State
    3. The notary and the surety on the bond
    4. Only the surety
    Show the answer

    C. The notary and the surety on the bond

    7-101.

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/7-101 (ilga.gov)

20. An employer is liable for its notary's misconduct when:

    1. Never; only the notary and surety can be liable
    2. The employer paid for the notary's stamp and bond
    3. The act was in the job's scope and the employer consented
    4. The notary is on the payroll on the day of the act
    Show the answer

    C. The act was in the job's scope and the employer consented

    7-102.

    Source: 5 ILCS 312/7-102 (ilga.gov)

Unofficial practice questions written from the public sources named under each answer. They are not the state's exam, are not affiliated with the State of Illinois, and are not legal advice. Rules change, so check the commissioning office's current materials.