What must a notary public in Illinois do if they perform acts beyond those allowed by law?

A notary public in Illinois must be aware of the limitations of their authority as prescribed by law. If a notary performs acts that exceed these legal boundaries, they can be subject to disciplinary action. This could include penalties such as suspension or revocation of their notary commission. The notary’s role is strictly defined, and any deviation from permitted duties not only undermines the integrity of the notarial process but also can lead to legal consequences for both the notary and those relying on their services.

Understanding this accountability is crucial; notaries must act within their defined parameters to maintain valid and trustworthy notarizations. This ensures that they uphold the law and protect the interests of the public. While other options might suggest reporting or addressing the issue, they don't directly capture the immediate risk to the notary's standing under the law. Therefore, the emphasis is rightly placed on the potential disciplinary actions that arise from such overstepping of authority.