What must a Notary do if they resign or allow their appointment to expire?

When a Notary Public resigns or allows their appointment to expire, they are required to turn in their journal and any other official papers. This is important for several reasons.

First, the journal contains a record of all notarizations performed, which is a critical part of maintaining accountability and transparency in the notarial process. It serves as a public record that can be accessed if needed for verification or legal purposes. By turning in the journal, the Notary ensures that these records are preserved according to the laws and regulations governing notarial practices.

Additionally, turning in their official papers helps to prevent any potential misuse of their stamp or seal after they have ceased to hold the title of Notary Public. This action helps protect both the Notary and the public by ensuring that no unauthorized notarizations can take place after the Notary's commission has lapsed.

In contrast, option A suggests retaining the journal, which would not align with proper procedures since the journal should be surrendered upon resignation or expiration. Option C, mentioning an automatic extension of the commission, is incorrect and misrepresents the Notary's responsibility; a commission does not extend automatically without renewal. Lastly, while submitting a resignation letter is part of the process, it is not as encompassing