What is the role of the California Secretary of State in relation to Notaries?

The California Secretary of State plays a crucial role in overseeing the commissioning of Notaries Public. This includes the responsibility to establish the requirements and procedures for becoming a Notary, ensuring that all applicants meet necessary qualifications. The Secretary of State also provides resources and training materials to support Notaries in performing their duties effectively and complying with state laws.

In addition to these functions, the Secretary of State is tasked with enforcing laws that govern notarial acts. This means they have the authority to investigate complaints against Notaries and impose penalties for misconduct or violations of the notary statutes. This oversight helps maintain the integrity of the notarial system in California, ensuring that Notaries act professionally and ethically.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the functions of the Secretary of State in relation to Notaries. For instance, legal representation is not provided by the Secretary of State, nor do they manage individual client relationships for Notaries or set fees for notarial services, which are typically established by market norms or individual Notary discretion within legal parameters.