What happens if a notary does not respond to a notice from the Secretary of State?

If a notary does not respond to a notice from the Secretary of State, further investigation may proceed. This is important because the Secretary of State may have concerns regarding the notary's actions or conduct, and a lack of response could indicate non-cooperation or an unwillingness to clarify or resolve any issues.

By not responding, the notary may inadvertently signal that there are ongoing questions or concerns that need to be addressed, prompting the Secretary of State to continue with the investigation. This may involve gathering additional information or evidence, which could affect the notary's standing and ability to continue performing notarial duties. Thus, it is crucial for notaries to respond timely and adequately to any official communications to mitigate the risk of further scrutiny or potential disciplinary actions.