Getting married? Moving to a new home? Relocating your business? If you need to update your name or address on your Notary commission, here are some important tips:
- Follow your state’s Notary name and address change rules
- Don’t delay updating your Notary information
- You may need to purchase new Notary tools
- Moving out of state may end your commission
- The NNA can help you with name and address changes
1. Follow your state’s Notary name and address change rules
When it comes to updating name or address information on a Notary commission, no two states are exactly alike.
Arizona Notaries who change their name may continue to use the official stamp and commission in the Notary Public’s prior name until that commission expires. However, the Notary must report a change in surname to the Secretary of State within 30 days after the change, and must sign the changed surname on the line designated for the Notary Public’s signature on the notarial certificate when notarizing. Immediately below that signature, the Notary Public must sign the original name under which the Notary was commissioned.
California Notaries must fill out an official name change form when changing their name on a Notary commission. However, when changing their address, they must instead send the Secretary of State’s office a notification letter by certified mail or another delivery method that provides a receipt within 30 days of the move.
Colorado requires Notaries requesting a name change to submit a handwriting sample of the Notary’s official signature.
When an Illinois Notary makes a name change or moves out of the county in which they were originally commissioned, the Notary must resign their current commission and apply for a new one under the new name. If the Notary moves to a new address within the same county, the Notary may instead report the address change to the Secretary of State via email at Enotary@ilsos.gov.
Oklahoma gives its Notaries two options for name changes: either they may not report the name change and continue to notarize under the old name until the commission expires, or they may file for a new commission using the new name. However, if an Oklahoma Notary’s resident address changes, the Notary must inform the Secretary of State in writing within 30 days of such change. The Notary is not required to file a new bond or obtain another seal if the Notary moves from one county to another.
Texas Notaries may submit name and address changes online. Instructions for making these changes online are available here.
Virginia Notaries must notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth in writing about any change of residence address. If a Notary moves out of state, the Secretary may grant written permission for the individual to keep their commission, provided the individual meets the requirements for a nonresident Notary in Virginia. However, an out-of-state resident who ceases to be regularly employed in Virginia must relinquish their Notary commission.
Always be sure to follow your state’s rules when changing information on your Notary commission.
2. Don’t delay updating your Notary information
It’s important not to procrastinate if you need to update your name or address on your commission. Several states require Notaries to submit notification of any changes within a certain time limit, and you need to make sure you have enough time to complete any required steps.
For example, California Notaries must submit any address changes to the state by certified mail or other means that produce a receipt within 30 days after moving.
Florida requires its Notaries to apply for an amended commission within 60 days of changing their name and to notify the Secretary of State in writing within 60 days of an address change.
In contrast, Texas Notaries have 10 days after relocating to submit a change of address.
3. You may need to purchase new Notary tools
Some states, such as Massachusetts, permit a Notary who changes their name to continue notarizing under their former name until their current commission expires. Others, such as California and Texas, require their Notaries to purchase a new seal after changing the name on a commission.
4. Moving out of state may end your commission
Be aware that in some states, including California and Utah, moving out of state automatically terminates your Notary commission. If this happens, you can no longer serve as a Notary in your old state and must apply for a new commission in the state where you now reside. Notaries cannot transfer an existing commission to another state.
5. The NNA can help you with Notary name and address changes
NNA members who need help changing their name, address or other information on their commission can contact our Customer Care team for assistance by phone at 1-800-876-6827 or by email at Services@NationalNotary.org.
David Thun is the Editorial Manager at the National Notary Association.
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