Reasons for the Denial of
a Notary Public’s Application

Grounds for Denial, Revocation, or Suspension of Appointment and Commission 

The Secretary of State may refuse to appoint any person as notary public or may revoke or suspend the commission of a notary public for specific reasons. These reasons include but are not limited to:

• A substantial misstatement or omission in the application; conviction of a felony or A disqualifying criminal conviction;
• Failure to disclose any conviction;
• Conviction of a felony;
• Conviction of a disqualifying lesser offense;
• Failure to furnish the Secretary of State with certified copies of the notary public journal when requested to do so or to provide information relating to official acts performed by the notary public;
• Charging more than the fee prescribed by law;
• Failure to complete the acknowledgment at the time the notary public’s seal and signature are attached to the document;
• Executing a false certificate;
• Failure to submit to the Secretary of State any court ordered money judgment, including restitution;
• Failure to secure the sequential journal or the official seal;
• Willful failure to report the theft or loss of the sequential journal;
• Making a false certificate or writing containing statements known to be false;
• Fraud relating to a deed of trust;
• Improper notarial acts;
• Unlawfully acting as a notary;
• Filing false or forged documents;
• Forgery;
• Grand theft;
• Falsely obtaining personal information;
• Willful failure to provide access to a journal when requested by a peace officer;
• Illegal advertising;
• Non-compliance with child or family support obligations;
• Failure or refusal to deliver all notarial records and papers to the county clerk within 30 days after resignation, disqualification, removal from office or expiration of appointment, is a misdemeanor.