What are the typical consequences of notarial misconduct?

Notarial misconduct has serious consequences. (1) Civil liability — signers, third parties, and others harmed by notarial errors can sue the notary personally for damages. Common claims: improper identification leading to identity theft losses, defective notarization that voids real estate transactions, jurat errors in court cases. Damages can be substantial. (2) Commission revocation — the state can suspend or revoke the notary's commission for misconduct, ending their ability to act as a notary. Revocation can be permanent. (3) Criminal charges — for serious offenses like notarial fraud, perjury, identity-related crimes, unauthorized practice of law. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment. (4) Professional consequences — many employers fire employees who lose their notary commission or face misconduct findings. Real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, lawyers, and others who depend on notaries cannot use a discredited notary. (5) Bond claims — if the notary bond is paid out, the notary must reimburse the bond company. (6) E&O insurance can help with civil claims but not with revocation or criminal charges. The combination of consequences can be financially ruinous. Following the rules carefully — proper ID verification, presence requirement, journal entries — protects the notary from most of these risks.