What must a notary do upon completing a notarization?

Upon completing a notarization, a notary is required to complete a notarial certificate and document the transaction in their records. The notarial certificate is an essential part of the notarization process as it serves as proof that the notarization occurred. It typically includes important details such as the date, type of document, names of the parties involved, and the notary's signature and seal.

Maintaining a proper record of all notarizations is crucial for legal compliance and to protect the notary from potential disputes. The records can be referenced later if needed, for instance, to verify that a document was legally notarized. This practice ensures accountability and transparency in the notary's work, aligning with the legal requirements established by notary laws.

The other options involve actions that are not part of the notary's responsibilities upon completing a notarization. For instance, destroying copies of the document, submitting it to court, or notifying the signer's lawyer are not actions included in the routine procedures of a notary post-ceremony.