Making unauthorized certified copies is an example of which penalty category?

• A. Administrative penalties
• B. Criminal penalties
• C. Civil penalties
• D. None

Answer: (A)

Administrative penalties apply here because unauthorized certified copies violate the notary’s duties and are handled as disciplinary actions by the regulatory authority. When a notary oversteps rules, the regulator can impose fines, suspension, or revocation of the commission as part of administrative discipline. This category covers enforcement by the governing body that oversees notaries, rather than a court deciding a civil case or a criminal prosecution. The act could involve criminal or civil consequences only if additional wrongdoing or damages are proven, but the immediate remedy for this misconduct is administrative discipline.