What must a Notary Public do after being commissioned?

After being commissioned, a Notary Public must obtain a notary seal and establish a notarial journal. The notary seal is essential because it authenticates the documents the notary will notarize, serving as a mark of the notary's official capacity. This seal must include specific information as required by state law, such as the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," and the state in which the notary is appointed.

Additionally, maintaining a notarial journal is crucial for record-keeping and accountability. The journal serves as a chronological record of all notarizations performed, including details such as the date, type of document, the parties involved, and the notary's signature. This documentation helps provide evidence of the notary's actions, which can be important for legal purposes or in case of disputes.

While attending a training seminar and filing paperwork with the state may be beneficial practices or requirements in some contexts, the immediate necessity after commissioning focuses primarily on obtaining the necessary tools for performing notarial duties, such as the seal and the journal. Starting to notarize documents without these essentials would not be compliant with legal requirements.