North Carolina Notary Practice Exam

When can a notary's commission be revoked?

1. After one year of service

2. Upon recommendation by any bystander

3. For violations of notary law or misconduct

4. At the end of each calendar year

The correct answer is: For violations of notary law or misconduct

A notary's commission can be revoked for violations of notary law or misconduct because maintaining the integrity of the notarization process is crucial to upholding public trust in notary services. This regulation ensures that notaries adhere to established laws and ethical standards while performing their duties. If a notary fails to comply with legal requirements—such as notarizing documents without proper identification, failing to keep accurate records, or engaging in fraudulent activities—their ability to act as a notary can be questioned, leading to revocation. This measure protects the interests of the public and ensures that notaries demonstrate professional conduct. Other options do not accurately reflect the conditions under which a notary’s commission may be revoked. For instance, a commission is not automatically revoked after one year of service, nor can it be revoked solely based on a recommendation from a bystander without substantiation. Additionally, a notary's commission is not subject to automatic revocation at the end of each calendar year, as commissions typically last for a set term unless there is a valid reason for revocation.