When must a notary public in Illinois complete a notarial certificate?

A notary public in Illinois must complete a notarial certificate before acknowledging the instrument. This ensures that all the necessary information is gathered and confirmed prior to the notary's official act of acknowledgment. A notarial certificate serves as a formal record that indicates the notary's findings during the acknowledgment process, including details such as the identity of the signer, the date, and the notary's official commission details.

Completing the notarial certificate before carrying out the acknowledgment helps maintain the integrity and authenticity of the notarization process. It provides a clear documentation trail, demonstrating that the notary has performed their duties in accordance with Illinois law. This step is essential to meet legal standards and protect against potential disputes regarding the notarization.