What is required to be recorded in an Illinois notary journal for every notarial act?

In Illinois, a notary journal serves as a critical record of each notarial act performed. The requirement to document the names of the signers along with any unusual circumstances reflects the importance of maintaining a thorough and accurate account of notarial transactions. This information helps establish the identity of the parties involved and provides context for the notarial act, which can be vital for legal purposes or in case any disputes arise later.

Recording unusual circumstances ensures that notaries are vigilant and attentive to the environment surrounding the notarization. For instance, if there were any issues regarding the mental capacity of a signer or if unusual pressure was applied to get the document signed, noting these details can protect the notary from potential liability and safeguard the integrity of the notarial act.

The other choices may imply recording insufficient information, lacking the comprehensive requirements mandated by Illinois law for notarial acts, which undermines the integrity of the notary's record-keeping duties. This comprehensive recording process not only promotes transparency but also fortifies the legal backing of the notarized documents.