What describes a notary's commission?

A notary's commission is accurately described as a revocable authorization granted by the Secretary of State. This means that the authority to serve as a notary public can be withdrawn or canceled by the state at any point if the notary does not adhere to the required laws or regulations. It is not permanent and does require renewal after a specific period, typically five years in New Jersey.

Understanding that the commission is issued by the Secretary of State highlights the role of state governance in regulating notarial acts. Since notaries perform important functions that affect the integrity of documents and transactions, states maintain oversight to ensure notaries act appropriately and ethically.

In contrast, a notary's commission is not a temporary credential limited to specific documents, nor is it a lifelong authorization without need for renewal. Additionally, it is not a federal license, but rather a state-issued authorization, emphasizing the localized nature of notarial functions.