What does the term "commission" refer to in notary practice?

In the context of notary practice, the term "commission" specifically refers to the written authority that allows an individual to perform notarial acts. This commission is granted by a state or territorial authority and provides the notary with the legal power to serve as an impartial witness during the signing of documents, administer oaths, and perform other functions as mandated by law.

This authority is typically documented in a formal certificate, which notaries must maintain and often present when conducting their duties. The possession of a valid commission ensures that the notary is recognized as a qualified official capable of executing these critical tasks.

The other options address related concepts but do not capture the definition of "commission" in this context. The certification of a notary's bond pertains to financial protections for the public, the term of service for a notary refers to the duration of their authority but not the authority itself, and the fee charged for notarial services denotes the cost of the notary's work rather than the legal empowerment to perform it.