247SimpleTests
Notary · Fees and Jurisdiction

What should a notary do when their commission is about to expire?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Stop performing notarial acts once the commission expires, and complete any required renewal process before continuing to act as a notary

  1. A Ignore the expiration date
  2. B Stop performing notarial acts once the commission expires, and complete any required renewal process before continuing to act as a notary
  3. C Transfer the commission to someone else
  4. D Keep notarizing indefinitely

Why this is the answer

A notary's authority ends when the commission expires. Performing notarial acts on an expired commission is unauthorized and can carry penalties. Before the expiration date, the notary should follow their state's renewal process — which may include reapplying, paying a fee, retaking an exam or course, and obtaining a new bond and seal — so there is no gap in authority. Once renewed, the notary should update their seal and journal with the new commission information. A notary may not simply continue acting after expiration or transfer the commission to another person; the commission is personal and time-limited. Tracking the expiration date and renewing on time is a basic professional duty.
Source: NNA Commission Management, Expiration

Practice more questions

This question is from our Notary Public Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Fees and Jurisdiction and other topics.

Take the Notary practice test →

About this topic: Fees and Jurisdiction

Fees and jurisdiction questions cover the maximum fees a notary may charge, when fees must be posted, where the notary may act (state lines, out-of-state documents) and travel charges. This is one of 7 Notary questions on fees and jurisdiction, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Notary exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Fees and Jurisdiction

Are notary fees set by state law?

 Fees and Jurisdiction

Where can a notary perform notarial acts?

 Fees and Jurisdiction

What is a notary commission, and what are typical eligibility requirements?

 Fees and Jurisdiction

Can a notary charge more than the state-set fee for their notarial services?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Notary Public Handbook: Principles, Practices & Cases

The most referenced practitioner guide to notarial law, acknowledgments, oaths, and recordkeeping.

Check Price → Study guide

National Notary Association: Notary Basics Study Guide

NNA's entry-level study guide covering every notarial act and the exam content tested in most states.

Check Price → Study guide

Signing Agent Certification Study Guide (NNA)

Complete prep for the NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent exam, including real estate documents.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →