If a notary seal includes the commission expiration date, what does that signify regarding authority?

• A. Indicates current authority to act
• B. Indicates the signer’s birthdate
• C. Indicates the time of notarization
• D. Indicates the fee paid

Answer: (A)

Having the commission expiration date on the seal shows the notary’s official authority to perform notarial acts is valid up to that date. It signals that the notary is currently authorized to act through the expiration date, so a notarization performed while that date is in effect is considered valid. If the commission has expired, the notary loses authority and a notarization could be invalid. This date isn’t about the signer’s birthdate, the time of notarization, or any fees paid.