Notarizing after your commission expires could lead to which penalties?

Notarizing after your commission expires could lead to which penalties?

• A. Administrative penalties
• B. Civil penalties
• C. Criminal penalties
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Notary authority lasts only while the commission is active. If you notarize after the commission expires, you’re performing notarial acts without valid authority. That counts as unauthorized practice of a regulated profession and can be prosecuted as a crime under Georgia law. Because it involves knowingly carrying out a regulated act without proper authorization, criminal penalties—such as fines or even imprisonment—are possible, depending on the statute and circumstances. Administrative actions by the issuing authority can also occur, but the serious consequence the question points to is criminal liability.

Notary authority lasts only while the commission is active. If you notarize after the commission expires, you’re performing notarial acts without valid authority. That counts as unauthorized practice of a regulated profession and can be prosecuted as a crime under Georgia law. Because it involves knowingly carrying out a regulated act without proper authorization, criminal penalties—such as fines or even imprisonment—are possible, depending on the statute and circumstances. Administrative actions by the issuing authority can also occur, but the serious consequence the question points to is criminal liability.