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Understanding the Importance of Your Notary Commission Name


Once you have received your notary commission from the state, you are ready to embark on your new career as a notary public.

That is the time to purchase your notary supplies. The most important and most frequently used item that a notary will possess is the notary stamp or notary seal.

This stamp will be used on every document that a notary executes. The name on the notary stamp or notary seal must match exactly the name on the notary commission certificate. There can never be any variation. The name on the notary commission will be your official notary name throughout your tenure of office.

A notary may change his or her official notary name during the notary term of office if he or she so chooses or the need arises. This may occur as a result of a change in marital status or a new religious affiliation.

When instituting a name change, notaries should check the laws of their states concerning the correct procedure. In some cases, an application may need to be submitted or a fee paid. Once the name change has been completed, the notary will proceed to sign all notarized documents with the new name.

Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.