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What is the primary role of the secretary of state in relation to notaries public?

  1. To appoint new notaries

  2. To issue duplicate IDs

  3. To collect fees and issue certificates

  4. To oversee county clerks

The correct answer is: To collect fees and issue certificates

The primary role of the secretary of state in relation to notaries public is to collect fees and issue certificates. The secretary of state is responsible for maintaining the notary public commission system and ensures that all notaries are properly registered and authorized to perform their duties. This includes overseeing the issuance of certificates that validate a notary's authority to act in that capacity, as well as handling the associated fees that are part of the notary commission application process. While the secretary of state does play a role in appointing new notaries, the specific emphasis here is on the collection of fees and issuance of official documents, which is a fundamental function of the office. This ensures that notaries can officially carry out their responsibilities, providing a vital service to the public.