New York State Notary Practice Exam

Performing unauthorized acts as a notary can lead to serious repercussions, primarily because the role of a notary public is to uphold the integrity of the notarization process. When a notary acts outside the legal scope of their authority, they can face legal action and civil liability. This could include lawsuits brought by individuals who have been harmed by the notary's actions, or penalties imposed by the state. The legal system holds notaries accountable for their actions because they are expected to adhere strictly to the laws governing notarizations.

In terms of what a notary can face in such situations, it’s important to note that while receiving a warning or losing their commission are potential outcomes, they do not fully encompass the legal implications that unauthorized acts carry. A fine might also be applicable, but it may not address the broader consequences of civil liability stemming from making a mistake or acting beyond their authority. Thus, understanding the potential for legal action helps reinforce the importance of only performing authorized acts as a notary public.