What must be done within 30 days of resigning as a notary regarding records?

Upon resigning as a notary, it is essential to deliver your records to the County Clerk's office within 30 days. This step is crucial because notary records are considered important public documents. The County Clerk is responsible for maintaining these records and ensuring they are preserved for public accessibility and any potential legal inquiries.

Transferring the records to the County Clerk helps in maintaining a transparent record-keeping system that aids in upholding the integrity of notarization practices. It ensures that any future needs for verification, examination, or legal purposes can be adequately addressed.

The option to burn the records would not only be impractical but also illegal, as it would result in the loss of important public documents. Sending records to the Secretary of State is not required under California law for resignation and making copies for personal records does not fulfill the obligation of submitting official records. Thus, delivering the records to the County Clerk is the correct procedure, safeguarding both the notary's responsibilities and the interests of those who rely on notarized documents.