What to Do with Your Notary Seal Upon Expiration

When you step into the role of a notary public, you're taking on a responsibility that carries weight — not just for you, but for others who depend on your seal of approval. It's not all about stamping documents, though. There's a key element that comes into play when your commission expires, and that’s what we’re diving into today. What should you do with your notary seal once your authority is done and dusted? Spoiler alert: It's not as simple as keeping it for personal use or returning it.

The Right Move: Destroying Your Seal
Picture this: your commission has expired. You've enjoyed your time notarizing documents and ensuring that everything is above board, but now the clock has run out. What do you do with your trusty notary seal? The answer is straightforward yet crucial— destroy it. Yes, you heard right! As a notary, you're required to take this serious step to prevent any potential for misuse.

But why exactly is this such a big deal? Think about it. Your notary seal is an official tool that signifies your authority to validate documents, and once your commission expires, that authority vanishes just like your favorite ice cream in the summer heat! Keeping your seal could leave the door wide open for unauthorized use, and that’s a slippery slope to fraud — a path no one wants to walk down.

Exploring Alternative Options
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “What if I keep it around just in case, or maybe return it to the Secretary of State?” While these might seem like viable options at first glance, let’s break them down.

• Keeping it for Personal Use: Sounds harmless, right? Not quite. Misuse is the name of the game here. Keeping your seal means you might accidentally use it for something it wasn’t designed for. Talk about opening a can of worms!

• Using It Until You Get a New Seal: You may think it’s harmless to keep using it while waiting for a new commission, but this is risky business. You’d be notarizing documents without legal authority — definitely not a good look.

• Returning It to Secretary of State: This might feel like the responsible thing to do, but it’s not the protocol. The law clearly states that destroying your seal is the only way to go.

Wrap-Up: Why Compliance Matters
So, to recap: when your notary commission expires, you must destroy your seal. This ensures that no one can ever misuse your authority, which maintains the integrity of notarized documents and protects the public trust. It's a simple yet powerful act that protects both you and those relying on your services.

Being a notary comes with a unique set of obligations, and understanding what to do at the end of your commission is just as important as knowing what to do at the start. So, if you're wrapping up your term, be sure to take this crucial step — it's a small, decisive way to wrap up your notary duties with integrity. Who knew that sealing the deal would also mean sealing your seal for good?