What must a notary do if they become a convicted felon?

When a notary public becomes a convicted felon, they are required to inform the Secretary of State about their conviction. This notification is crucial because a felony conviction can affect their ability to continue serving as a notary. Notifying the Secretary of State serves as a formal declaration of their changed circumstances, which can lead to a review of their notary commission. This process helps maintain the integrity of notarial services in California.

Failure to report the felony conviction or continuing to perform notarial acts without addressing the issue could result in serious consequences, including the potential revocation of the notary's commission. Notifying the Secretary of State is about upholding the legal and ethical standards expected of a notary public, ensuring that individuals serve in this role with the trust of the public and the law.