What is defined as a notarial act?

A notarial act is specifically defined as an act performed by a notary public in accordance with the laws governing notarial practices in Illinois. This includes various responsibilities such as taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, and certifying copies of documents. The legal framework ensures the notary acts in an official capacity, adding a level of authenticity and trust to the documents and transactions they oversee.

The other options present limitations or constraints that do not accurately reflect the broad authority and responsibilities of a notary public. Notarial acts may involve written documents, but they are not limited to them; they can also encompass verbal oaths or affirmations. Furthermore, while in-person interactions are commonplace for many notarial acts, remote online notarization is becoming increasingly accepted in various jurisdictions, allowing for notarizations to occur without physical presence. Lastly, notarial acts do not require multiple witnesses; the presence of one witness is sometimes necessary for specific types of documents, but it is not a universal requirement for all notarial acts.