Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Notary Certification!

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced into signing a document, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is rooted in the fundamental responsibility of a notary to ensure that the signature is made willingly and voluntarily. Notaries are tasked with verifying the identity of the signer and ensuring that they understand what they are signing; any hint of coercion undermines this essential process.

By refusing to notarize, the notary protects both the integrity of the notarial act and the rights of the person involved. It supports the principle that notarization must reflect genuine consent; if the notary believes that the signer's consent is not free and clear, proceeding with the notarization would be ethically and legally questionable.

This responsibility emphasizes the notary's role not just as a witness, but as a safeguard against fraud and abuse. Taking a stand in such situations helps to maintain the credibility of the notarial profession and protect individuals from potentially harmful situations.