What type of offense is it to notarize a deed of trust without being fully commissioned?

Notarizing a deed of trust without being fully commissioned constitutes a felony offense in California. This is due to the significant legal implications involved in the notarization process, which includes verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring the authenticity of the document, and maintaining the integrity of legal transactions.

Performing notarial acts without the proper authority and commission undermines the legal system and can lead to substantial consequences, such as fraudulent activities or legal disputes regarding property rights. This is why there are stringent penalties for acting as a notary without the appropriate commission, making it a serious offense classified as a felony.

In contrast, other options like fines, misdemeanors, or warnings imply lesser consequences, which do not accurately reflect the gravity of improperly notarizing a document. Notaries are held to a high standard of accountability, and violations of this nature can incur significant legal repercussions and damage to public trust in the notarial system.