What must a notary public in Guam possess before performing notarial acts?

A notary public in Guam must possess a notary commission issued by the government of Guam before performing notarial acts. This commission is an official authorization granted by the state, certifying that the individual is qualified to perform duties related to notarization. The process for obtaining this commission typically includes meeting specific eligibility requirements, such as age, residency, and the completion of an application process, which may include background checks and taking an oath of office.

Possessing a valid notary commission ensures that the notary is recognized as an official representative of the state, which lends credibility and legal standing to their notarial acts. The commission outlines the powers and responsibilities of the notary, and it is essential for the notary to operate within the bounds of the law.

Other choices such as having a valid driver's license, a certificate of completion from a legal training program, or an employment contract with the government do not fulfill the necessary requirements for performing notarial acts in Guam. While those may be useful in other contexts, they are not substitutes for the specific authorization provided by the notary commission.