Does payment of fees and other associated costs constitute ownership of a notary public's commission?

• A. It does not constitute ownership of the notary public's commission.
• B. It does constitute ownership of the notary public's commission.
• C. It constitutes partial ownership of the notary public's commission.
• D. It depends on who pays the fee.

Answer: (A)

Ownership of a notary commission is not tied to paying fees. The commission is a license issued by the state to the individual, not a form of property that can be owned or bought. Paying the application or renewal fees simply secures the right to act as a notary; it does not transfer ownership of the commission to the payer. Even if someone else pays the costs—such as an employer or friend—the authority to notarize remains with the named individual and can be revoked or suspended by the state for misconduct. So, paying fees does not constitute ownership of the notary public’s commission.