How Do I Update My Notary Information If I Get Married?

I have recently married and changed my name. I need a new Notary stamp to reflect it but how do I do this? — S.C., Arlington, TX

In order to obtain a Notary stamp in your new name you must change your name on your commission by filing a name change form (Form 2305) that you can download from the Secretary of State’s website. Technically, you aren’t required to change the name on your current commission after you marry as long as you continue to use the name on your current commission and Notary seal for all official acts until your commission expires.

You may change the name on your commission by submitting the following to the Secretary of State:

• A completed Form 2305,

• Your original Notary commission,

• A rider or endorsement to your Notary bond from the bond agency or surety, and

• A $20 filing fee.

All four of these items must be sent at the same time. Instructions are provided on Form 2305.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. After hours you can send a message to our Notary experts at Hotline@NationalNotary.org, and you will receive a response the next business day.

66 Comments

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Christina Tank

31 Aug 2015

But what this does NOT tell you is you must notify the Secretary of State regardless of whether you choose to keep using your old name until your commission expires or get a new one, or at least in California you do. Its a fine if you do not.

Michael Burnett

I would like to read this article

Amanda Velasquez

23 Dec 2016

If you don't want to pay the $20 to update the name, and just wait till it's at renewal to do so, how do you just let them know that your name changed? I don't want to not follow the rules if I'm supposed to let them know I got married.

National Notary Association

28 Dec 2016

Hello Amanda. According to the instructions on the Form 2305 name change form provided by the Texas Secretary of State's office, the name change procedure is optional and a Notary may continue to sign the name on his or her commission until the commission expires, and then change the name upon commission renewal. You can find a link to the Form 2305 here if you wish to read further: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/statforms.shtml#NPUF. Please note that the Hotline question answer above is specifically for Texas and other state requirements may be different.

Renee

12 Feb 2019

What is a rider or endorsement

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Patricia Ann Viruet

06 May 2019

If someone is a notary and didn't change their name after getting married could they still notarize family members or spouse papers? EX. I know someone who got married and she is notarizing her husbands papers for his business which she is also manager of that business. Her bond is under her maiden name.

07 May 2019

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state the Notary is commissioned in?

Minerva Rodriguez

11 Jul 2019

I will be getting married before notary commision experation. Am I able to renew with existing name on notary commision? If I wish to renew with new married name what documentation will I need to provide?

22 Jul 2019

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please let us know what state you are commissioned in?

Delana

03 Sep 2019

I am in Arkansas...I never changed my notary to my married name. Can i notarize documents as long as I don't use my married name?

Hello. Arkansas Notaries are required to notify the Secretary of State and the local circuit court clerk within 30 days of any change that would alter the information on file with the Secretary and the court clerk (ACA 21-14-103[a]).

Phyllis A. Mahoney

29 Oct 2019

I got divorced and took back my maiden name; is it still okay for me to notarize signing Phyllis M. Nichols which is on my stamp until it gets renewed August 2020

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Brenda J Mack

13 Jan 2020

I have gotten marriage and I need to change my name on my Notary Stamp

14 Jan 2020

Hello. If you purchased your stamp from the NNA you can contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 for assistance.

Jane Manibusan

16 Feb 2020

I am a notary in the state of Wisconsin, just got married and notary expires June of this year. What do I need to do and can I still use current stamp?

18 Feb 2020

Hello. A Wisconsin Notary with a new legal name must submit a change of name form (available on the website) to the Department of Financial Institutions prior to using the new name as a Notary. According to Wisconsin's "Notary Public Information" pamphlet: “If you change your name for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you purchase a new seal or rubber stamp stating your new name (and the words ‘State of Wisconsin’ and ‘Notary Public’). Obtain a Address/Name/Seal Change form from the WDFI… You are required to complete and submit the Address/Name/Seal change form to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions PRIOR to using your new name and seal for notary purposes”

Katey Payne

20 Feb 2020

I live in Utah, I got married can I continue to use my notary stamp until it expires if I sign with the name on my stamp?

24 Feb 2020

Hello. A Utah Notary is not required to change the Notary’s name by adopting the surname of the Notary’s spouse (UCA 46-1-20[1]-[3]). However, if you do choose to change your name, you will need to notify the Lt. Governor's office and provide appropriate documentation within 30 days from the date of the name change, notify your surety bond provider of the name change and obtain a bond rider for your surety bond, and destroy your old commission and seal (UCA 46-1-20[1]-[3]).

Kiley J

26 Feb 2020

Not sure if anyone still monitors the comments on this, but I'm getting married in a few days and I'm thinking about changing my name but I'm wondering if I'm required to update my commission and stamp with my new name or if I can let my commission run its course until it's up for renewal. For expedience, I'm located in California.

27 Feb 2020

Hello. If a Notary changes his or her name, a Notary Public Name Change form must be filed with the Secretary of State. Willful failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $500 (GC 8213.6). After receiving the completed form, the Secretary will issue an amended commission in the Notary’s new name. Within 30 days after issuance of the amended commission, the Notary must file a new oath of office and a bond amendment with the clerk of the county in which the Notary’s principal place of business is located. Within 30 days after the filing, the Notary must obtain a seal with the new name (GC 8213[c]).

Estrellita

09 Jun 2020

My married name is hyphenated. My stamp still has my maiden name. I can write in my additional last name on it?

10 Jun 2020

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

My married name is hyphenated. My stamp still has my maiden name. Can I write in my additional last name on it? I reside in NY, Queens County

Hello. New York Notaries who change their name through marriage may: (a) continue using the former name when functioning as a Notary; or (b) use the former name in the official signature and stamp, adding the new name in parentheses after the signature. Upon renewing the commission, however, the Notary must select one or the other name and use that name exclusively in performing notarizations (NPLL). “If you are changing or have changed your name, you should use your new name when signing your renewal application”

Jennifer Clark

I just got married and my commission needs to be renewed. I live in Florida, can I renew and update my name at the same time?

12 Jun 2020

“Any notary public who lawfully changes his name shall, within 60 days after such change, forthwith request an amended commission from the Secretary of State ... (who) shall issue an amended commission to the notary public in the new name. A rider to the notary public’s bond must accompany the notice of change form. After submitting the required notice of change form and rider to the Secretary of State, the notary public may continue to perform notarial acts in his former name for 60 days or until receipt of the amended commission, whichever date is earlier” (FS 117.05[9]). “Contact your Bonding Agency…[t]o amend your notary public commission after a lawful name change” (Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries).

Jasmyne Antionette Ward

24 Jun 2020

I live in Washington State. I was recently married and my name has changed. My commission expires in 2022. Can I still notarize documents until my renewal with my maiden name?

26 Jun 2020

Hello. Washington Notaries who change their name must notify the Department of Licensing on forms prescribed by the Department (WAC 308-30-250[1]). “A notary that submits a name change notification shall continue to use their original notary stamp or seal and their original name and signature until they receive a new commission certificate and seal or stamp with the new information” (WAC 308-30-250[3]).

Tracy Lane

03 Sep 2020

I live in Michigan and am recently married. Do I need to change the name on my notary stamp when I legally change my name or can I continue to notarize in my maiden name?

04 Sep 2020

“A notary public shall immediately apply to the secretary, in a format prescribed by the secretary, for a corrected notary public commission upon the occurrence of any of the following circumstances: (a) A change in the notary public’s name. “(b) A change in the notary public’s residence or business address” (MCL 55.281[1]). A “Michigan Notary Public Request for Duplicate/Notice of Change” form is available for this purpose and downloadable on the website.) There is no charge and no need to apply for a new commission. The Notary also must immediately apply to the Secretary if the Notary’s commission contains an error in the person’s name, birth date, county or other pertinent information, reflecting a change in factual information in the person’s application. “The secretary shall notify the county clerk of the applicant’s appointment when a corrected commission is issued by the secretary” (MCL 55.281[3]).

Julie

25 Sep 2020

I recently got married (texas) do I need to change my name and if I leave it as my maiden name can I still notarize my now husbands papers?

02 Oct 2020

Hello. While there is not a specific prohibition in Texas about notarizing a spouse's signature, you should not notarize if you are named as a party in the document or would receive a benefit from the document. You can find information on name changes for Texas Notaries here: https://www.texasnotary.com/docs/namechange.pdf

A_d_mckenzie13@yahoo.com

21 Oct 2020

I’m in Alabama and I let my commission expire bc they don’t do name changes in Alabama for notaries. So to get it renewed w my new name, do I just fill out the renewal page and send in then just order new stamp? Thank you!

22 Oct 2020

Hello. You would need to apply for a new Notary commission under your new name.

Luanna Roberts

28 Oct 2020

I live in Massachusetts and recently got married (August) and changed my name. I have a license and social security card with my married name. My notary commission expires in 2022. In the state of Massachusetts do I need to change my name or can I wait until it expires and then do it? Thank you!

29 Oct 2020

“Within 10 days after the change of a notary public’s name, residence, business address or mailing address, the notary public shall send to the state secretary a signed notice of the change, providing both the old and new information” (GL 222, Sec. 25). The Division at 617-727-2836 can answer questions about name and address changes, and provide up-to-date contact information for any Notary. A Notary with a name change may continue to notarize with the former name until commission expiration. A form to register a change of address or name may be obtained online at www.sec.state.ma.us.

Dayna Carlson

19 Nov 2020

I live in Florida and recently got married. Do I need to change my notary stamp now, or can I stamp and sign my (maiden name) currently registered, until it expires?

Alexis

01 Dec 2020

I am in Iowa and was married 10/17/20. I have legally changed my name but have not changed anything for notarization. Can I still notarize a document under my maiden name?

04 Dec 2020

Hello. According to the Iowa Secretary of State's website (https://sos.iowa.gov/notaries/pdf/notfaq.pdf): “If you change your name, you may use your new name or continue using your former name through the end of your term. If you use your new name, inform the Secretary of State’s Office immediately of the change.”

05 Jan 2021

Hi! I live in the State of Ohio. I got married, contacted the state and I am waiting on my updated stamps. Am I able to still notarized documents with my maiden name stamps in the interim?

Hello. No, you must wait to receive your new stamp before notarizing using your revised commission.

Ten

22 Mar 2021

Notary in Texas. Got married October 2020 and adopted spouse name. Can I wait until expiration to update name?

24 Mar 2021

Hello. Yes.

donna.eller@patriotreadymix.com

14 May 2021

And how do we get this form to change our name?

19 May 2021

Jennifer Schiaretti

11 Nov 2021

I'm in Illinois. Got married in June 2021. My commission expires in March 2025. I changed my name with Social Security and on my driver's license. Can I still notarize documents in my previous name (the name on my stamp)? If not, what do I need to do to update my notary commission with my new name?

12 Nov 2021

Hello. “When any notary public legally changes his or her name or moves from the county in which he or she was commissioned or, if the notary public is a resident of a state bordering Illinois, no longer maintains a principal place of work or principal place of business in the same county in Illinois in which he or she was commissioned, the commission ceases to be in effect and should be returned to the Secretary of State. These individuals who desire to again become a notary public must file a new application, bond, and oath with the Secretary of State” (5 ILCS 312/4-101).

Kiariah Carter

08 Mar 2022

I live in Indiana and will be getting married soon. I do know that I have to notify our Secretary of State of the change, but I am not sure of it is a requirement to change my commission, stamp, and bond. Am I still able to use my maiden name until my current commission expires?

11 Mar 2022

Hello. An Indiana Notary must notify the Secretary of State not later than 30 days after a change of name (IC 33-42-12-3[a]). A notary public shall file the following documents with the secretary of state upon any change to the notary public’s name on file with the secretary of state’s office: (1) A rider or other record issued by the notary public’s surety reflecting the change of name. (2) An example of the notary public’s new, official signature” (IC 33-42-12[3[b]; see also 75 IAC 7-2-2[b]).

sarah@minimobilenotary.com

20 May 2022

In Washington is it true you only need to update your legal name on your commission, but can use your maiden name for the name reflected on the commission? I keep getting different answers depending on the agency I speak with here in Washington whether it is the S.O.S or the D.O.L.

26 May 2022

Notaries who change their name must notify the Department of Licensing on forms prescribed by the Department (WAC 308-30-250[1]). Notification may also be made online through SecureAccess Washington or by email. “A name change notification must be accompanied by a bond rider from the bonding company amending the notary bond, and the prescribed fee for a name change which provides a duplicate notary certificate showing the new name. There is no charge for an address change and a new certificate is not issued” (WAC 308-30-250[2]). “A notary that submits a name change notification shall continue to use their original notary stamp or seal and their original name and signature until they receive a new commission certificate and seal or stamp with the new information” (WAC 308-30-250[3]).

angelsixx74@gmail.com

30 Sep 2022

I recently got married and plan to change my legal name by hyphenating my maiden and new last name. My current commission is first Initial and maiden name. I would like to continue signing with this commission name. Am I allowed to do this in California? Should I send in a name change reflecting new legal name and same commission name?

04 Oct 2022

Hello. In California, if a Notary changes his or her name, a Notary Public Name Change form must be filed with the Secretary of State. Willful failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $500 (GC 8213.6). After receiving the completed form, the Secretary will issue an amended commission in the Notary’s new name. Within 30 days after issuance of the amended commission, the Notary must file a new oath of office and a bond amendment with the clerk of the county in which the Notary’s principal place of business is located. Within 30 days after the filing, the Notary must obtain a seal with the new name (GC 8213[c]).

Katie Augsburger

10 Nov 2022

Notary in Ohio. I just got married. Do I have to change my name at the social security office before I can change my name on my notary?

Within 30 days, a name or address change must be reported to the Secretary of State’s office, using an “Application for Amendment of Notary Public Information” (ORC 147.05[B]). Notaries must use the Secretary of State’s online filing system to report changes to their commission (website, “File Notary Commission Applications and Updates”). There is a fee of $2.00 for filing a name change using the online filing system, for which the applicant will receive a revised commission with the new name. There is no fee to file a change of address or resignation of commission. Once you receive the revised commission, it must be recorded at the county clerk of the courts of common pleas office (ORC 147.05[B]).

michelle.rice@ymail.com

15 Nov 2022

Hello, I have a dual notary- PA & NJ. Married last month and will be changing my name. Is it necessary to do now or can I wait for renewal?

17 Nov 2022

Hello. For New Jersey: “If a notary public adopts a name different from that which the notary public used at the time the notary public was commissioned, before the notary public provides a signature to any record which the notary public is authorized or required to sign as notary public, the notary public shall make and sign a statement in writing and under oath, on a form prescribed and furnished by the State Treasurer, setting out the circumstances under which the notary public has adopted the new name. The statement shall state whether the new name has been adopted through marriage or civil union or by a change of name proceeding or otherwise, and such other information as the State Treasurer shall require” (NJSA 52:7-18.a). “The statement shall be filed in the office of the State Treasurer. Such statement, or a certified copy, shall be evidence of the right of the notary public to continue to exercise the powers and privileges and perform the duties of a notary public in the changed or new name” (NJSA 52:7-18.b). For Pennsylvania: “A notary public must notify the Department within 30 days of any change in the information on file with the Department, including the notary public’s legal name. “Notice of a change in name must be on a form prescribed by the Department and accompanied by evidence of the name change (such as a marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree). “Following notification to the Department, the notary may use the new name or continue to perform notarial acts in the name in which the notary was commissioned until the expiration of the notary’s term. However, before using the new name on notarial work, the notary public must register the new signature with the prothonotary’s office of the county where the notary’s office address is located and purchase a new rubber stamp seal. Application for reappointment must be made in the new name” (website, “Update Information”).

christiana Reams

22 Nov 2022

Notary in Brunswick, GA. Got married October 2022 and adopted spouse name. Can I wait until expiration to update name?

30 Nov 2022

Hello. A Georgia Notaries who change their name must notify the appointing superior court clerk in writing, including the new signature and any new address, within 30 days of the change, with a copy to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (OCGA 45-17-13[b]). A “Notary Public Contact Information Change Form” may be downloaded from the website (https://www.gsccca.org/file/notary-forms). Both old and new names must be provided. Upon receiving a confirmation from the clerk and obtaining a new seal, the Notary may again begin notarizing with the new name. Many counties require personal appearance to complete changes to the Notary’s commission.

Tiffany Miller

16 Dec 2022

I'm a notary in OK, recently got married and my commission is up for renewal. Can I renew & change my name at the same time?

19 Dec 2022

Andrea Knoch

18 Dec 2022

Hello. I have submitted the form to change my name on my notary for the state of Kentucky. Can I continue to notarize documents in the interim while it is being processed? Thank you

11 Jan 2023

The law only indicates that a name changes must be completed within 10 days of the change. There is no indication if you can continue to notarize documents. No information is provided on how long processing times. Please contact the Kentucky Secretary of State at 502-564-3490 to check processing times.

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