What must a notary confirm about the signer during the acknowledgment process?

During the acknowledgment process, a notary must confirm the signer's identity. This is a fundamental responsibility of the notary, as ensuring that the individual signing a document is indeed who they claim to be is critical to the integrity of the notarization process. The notary typically verifies identity through government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, which provides a reliable method for confirming that the signer is the person they assert to be.

This step is essential in preventing fraud and ensuring that the documents are executed with the proper legal recognition. The identity verification assures all parties involved, as well as the legal system, that the acknowledgment of the signature is valid and enforceable. The notary’s impartial role adds an extra layer of trust and legitimacy to the transaction.

The other choices do not pertain directly to the notary's primary duty during the acknowledgment process. While the willingness of the signer, any previous documents, or engagement with legal counsel might be relevant in different contexts, they are not requirements for the notary's acknowledgment process as set by the laws governing notarial acts in Illinois.