What happens if a notary fails to make an impression of their seal?

When a notary fails to make an impression of their seal, the notarization could be considered invalid. The seal serves as an official mark indicating that the notary has authenticated the document and performed the required duties during the notarization process. In many jurisdictions, including Illinois, the absence of the seal can lead to questions about the legitimacy of the notarization.

The seal not only contributes to the document's legal standing but also provides assurance to the parties involved that the notary is legitimate and has acted in accordance with the law. If a notarization does not include the seal, it may not meet the statutory requirements, thereby potentially rendering the document unenforceable in legal contexts. This underscores the importance of the seal in ensuring proper notarization processes are followed.