Is personal knowledge alone sufficient to proceed with a notarization?

Personal knowledge refers to a notary's familiarity with the signer's identity based on prior interactions. However, it is generally not sufficient on its own for a notarization in Illinois. The state law requires that a notary must be able to reasonably identify the signer. This can be achieved through various means, one of which is personal knowledge. Still, it is typically necessary to have another form of identification, such as a government-issued photo ID, to ensure accurate identification and add a layer of verification.

This requirement is in place to protect against fraud and errors, ensuring that the signer's name is properly attested, and that the notary is taking sufficient steps to verify identity. By combining personal knowledge with another form of identification, the notary can fulfill the legal requirements of their role and maintain the integrity of the notarization process. Therefore, relying solely on personal knowledge does not meet these essential criteria, making it imperative to use an additional verification method.