What can cause the Secretary of State to deny or revoke a notary commission?

• A. Any act showing a lack of honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability
• B. A missed appointment
• C. Not wearing a badge
• D. Not using a stamp

Answer: (A)

Notaries public are public trust positions, so the state reviews notary conduct for overall fitness to serve. If an act shows a lack of honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability, it signals that the notary is not trustworthy or capable of performing notarizations properly, and that can justify denying or revoking the commission because it directly undermines the public’s confidence in the office.

Issues like missing an appointment, not wearing a badge, or not using a stamp involve procedural or compliance matters. They reflect conduct that may lead to discipline for not following rules, but they do not by themselves demonstrate the essential character or reliability required to hold the office.