What occurs if a notary public's commission resigns or expires?

When a notary public's commission resigns or expires, it does not affect ongoing inquiries into conduct. This means that any investigations or audits that are already in progress with regard to the notary's actions remain valid and are not halted by the resignation or expiration of the notary's commission. Ongoing inquiries can continue to seek information or clarity on any potential misconduct that took place while the notary was still in commission.

This understanding ensures that accountability mechanisms remain in place even after a commission has ended. The notary’s previous actions may still be scrutinized to ascertain whether they adhered to the required legal standards and practices during their commission. It reinforces the idea that a notary's responsibilities and potential ramifications for their conduct are not simply nullified by the resignation or expiration of their authority.

In contrast, the other choices present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the implications of a commission's end. For example, while future acts may be impacted, ongoing inquiries continue unaffected. Similarly, a lapsed commission does not automatically preclude public record creation, as acts performed while the notary was commissioned may still carry legal weight, and the ability to reapply is typically subject to a waiting period and not an immediate process.