The information in the notary appointment application is considered what?

• A. Private record
• B. Public record
• C. Not subject to disclosure
• D. Confidential

Answer: (B)

Notary appointment information is a public record. A notary public is a public officer, and the appointment file kept by the Secretary of State becomes part of the government’s public records. This openness allows anyone to verify that a notary is properly commissioned, to see the commission dates, and to locate the notary for notarial acts. The idea is transparency and accountability in who is authorized to perform notarial duties, so the basic details of the appointment are accessible to the public. Some sensitive personal data may be restricted, but the essential appointment information itself is intended to be public.