True or False: The Secretary of the State may deny an application for notary public renewal for the same reasons that an initial application could be denied.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not specified
• D. It varies by case

Answer: (B)

Renewal is evaluated against the same qualifications used for the initial appointment. The Secretary of the State checks whether the applicant still meets those requirements at the time of renewal. If something about the applicant would have disqualified them from getting the appointment originally—such as misrepresentation on the application, a disqualifying criminal history, or failure to satisfy any mandatory condition—the renewal can be denied for those same reasons. This protects the public by ensuring a notary remains fit to perform duties. For example, if a notary commits conduct that would have barred them from initial appointment, the renewal can be denied on that basis. So the statement is true.