What may happen if a notary public fails to follow proper procedures?

If a notary public fails to follow proper procedures, there can be serious repercussions, including the risk of being sued and the potential for their commission to be revoked.

A notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that all notarizations are conducted according to the law, which involves verifying the identity of signers, ensuring they are signing willingly, and properly completing all required documentation. If these procedures are not followed, it can lead to disputes over the validity of a notarization. This could expose the notary to legal action, as affected parties may attempt to hold the notary liable for damages resulting from improper notarization.

Additionally, the state or governing body that oversees notaries has the authority to revoke a notary's commission if they repeatedly fail to adhere to legal requirements. This revocation serves both as a form of accountability and as a means to protect the public from potential fraud or misconduct. Maintaining a proper understanding of and adherence to notary laws is crucial for ensuring both the notary's integrity and the trust of the public in notarial acts.

By recognizing that both legal liability (suit) and loss of commission can arise from procedural errors, it is clear why the accurate answer encompasses both potential outcomes.