What must a Notary do after being commissioned?

After a Notary is commissioned, obtaining and maintaining a notary seal and a record book is essential. The notary seal is a critical tool for performing notarizations, as it provides a method of authenticating documents and indicates that a notary has verified the identity of those signing the document.

The record book, also known as a journal, is where the notary logs every transaction. Keeping a detailed record is crucial for legal and accountability purposes. This documentation helps protect the notary and ensures there is a reliable account of what has transpired during the notarization process. If any disputes arise or if the validity of a notarization is challenged, the journal serves as evidence of the notary's actions.

Starting to notarize immediately, while appealing, is not sufficient without having the proper tools (seal and record book) in place. Publishing information in a local newspaper and completing additional training are not requirements after commissioning, though they might be considered good practices or optional activities in some jurisdictions. Therefore, securing a notary seal and a record book is the fundamental step a newly commissioned notary should take to begin their duties properly.