My employer paid for my Notary exam and supplies. But I remember her saying that if I left my employment, they could revoke my Notary license because they paid for everything. Is that true? — J. A., California
No, it is not true. A Notary commission belongs exclusively to the person named on the commission certificate, regardless of who paid for it. Only you or the Secretary of State may cancel your commission. If you leave employment, the commission goes with you, including your bond, stamp and journal.
Even when an employer has paid for the Notary’s official journal and seal — and regardless of whether the journal contains entries related to the employer’s business — the journal and seal stay with the Notary upon termination of employment. No person but the Notary may lawfully possess the official tools of the Notary’s office. (Government Code sections 8206, 8207, 8214.1, 8214.15 and 8228.1)
For more information on this topic and rules regarding ownership of a Notary commission and tools in other states, please see our article on who owns your Notary commission, seal and journal.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
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