If my commission has been renewed but I do not yet have a seal with the new expiration date, can I use my current stamp, strike out the old date, and hand-write the new expiration date?
While the law requires that every Notary shall include on each act, instrument, or attestation the expiration date of the Notary’s commission as a Notary public, there is no state statute forbidding you to strike or block out the old date and hand write your new commission expiration date. However, it’s not a practice the NNA recommends, as the receiving agency may question why the date has been changed, who made the change, and whether or not the Notary’s commission is still active. Such questions could delay or even invalidate the notarization. We recommend ordering a new stamp featuring your commission’s updated expiration date.
Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call (888) 876-0827, Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
