Which type of stamp must a notary public use during a remote notarization?

During a remote notarization in Illinois, a notary public must use an electronic seal. This is a key component of ensuring that notarizations conducted electronically are legally binding and secure. An electronic seal functions similarly to a physical notary stamp; it includes the notary's name, state of commission, and the phrase “Notary Public.”

The use of an electronic seal helps establish the identity of the notary and provides a digital representation of their authentication. For remote notarizations to be valid, they need to comply with specific legal and technological standards that verify both the signer's identity and the integrity of the document being notarized.

A physical stamp, on the other hand, is used primarily in traditional in-person signings and does not meet the requirements for the digital processes involved in remote notarization. Digital signatures may also play a role in the remote process, but they do not replace the need for an electronic seal, which is specifically mandated for remote notarization practices.