Final answer:
Certificates for notary public procedures are generally issued by the Secretary of State. The office oversees the commissioning of notaries, although requirements may vary by state. Notary public associations and the Attorney General do not issue these certificates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The certificates involved in various notary public procedures are typically issued by the Secretary of State. This office is responsible for the commissioning of notaries public and for maintaining records of all commissioned notaries. When an individual applies to become a notary public, they usually do so through the office of the Secretary of State. Once the application is approved and the notary has fulfilled all the requirements, including any necessary training or examination, the Secretary of State’s office will issue a commission certificate to the notary.
It's important to note that while the Secretary of State is commonly the issuing authority, the specific procedures and requirements can vary by state. Some states may require additional steps or may have a different type of governmental office or department responsible for the oversight of notaries. Users should confirm the specific issuing authority in their state.
The County Clerk's office may also play a role in a notary’s certification process, as notaries might need to register their commission with their local county clerk, depending on state law. However, the issuance of the initial certificate is not typically a function of the county clerk.
Notary public associations and the Attorney General do not issue notary public certificates. Notary public associations often provide resources, training, and advocacy for notaries, but they do not have the authority to commission or issue official certificates. The Attorney General’s office typically deals with the state’s legal affairs and is not involved in the commissioning of notaries.