North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

What does the term 'revocation' refer to in notary practice?

1. The approval of a notary's commission

2. The cancellation of a notary's commission

3. The extension of a notary's term

4. The assignment of a new notary

The correct answer is: The cancellation of a notary's commission

In notary practice, the term 'revocation' specifically refers to the cancellation of a notary's commission. This process can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the notary failing to follow the required guidelines and laws of notarial practice or behaving in a manner that undermines the integrity of the position. When a commission is revoked, the notary is no longer authorized to perform notarial acts, which is a critical consequence designed to maintain trust and accountability in the notarial process. Understanding this concept is crucial for notaries, as it underlines the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations governing their role. Other terms mentioned, such as approval, extension, or assignment, pertain to different aspects of notarial practices but do not directly relate to the cancellation of a commission. Thus, 'revocation' is clearly defined as the termination of a notary's authority, aligning with the correct understanding of the term in this context.