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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

Can I sign my name differently than on my Notary seal?

By NNA Staff on November 7, 2022

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

In the state of Texas can I sign my name as “Jane P. Doe” although my stamp states “Jane Patricia Doe?” — J. D., Texas

No, because In Texas, a Notary must sign the notarial certificate using the same name that is listed on the commission (GC 406-016[b]).

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 consultants 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.




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5 Comments

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John Payton

13 Nov 2022

I have been a notary for over 25 - 30 years and am very interested in performing RON loan packages

Joe

14 Nov 2022

Please comment on the unreadable notary signature. Does the notary print their name beneath it?

National Notary Association

17 Nov 2022

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.

David Kutz

15 Nov 2022

I called the Kansas Secretary of State's office and was told it was acceptable to sign using my middle initial instead of my full middle name. I was told that I had to sign how i signed the application.

National Notary Association

13 Dec 2022

Kansas Statutes Annotated (KSA) section 53-5a16[a] indicates the following: Specific Requirements: “The certificate … shall: “(1) Be executed contemporaneously with the performance of the notarial act; “(2) be signed and dated by the notarial officer and, if the notarial officer is a notary public, be signed in the same manner as on file with the secretary of state; “(3) identify the jurisdiction in which the notarial act is performed; “(4) contain the title of office of the notarial officer; and “(5) if the notarial officer is a notary public, indicate the notary public’s commission number and the date of expiration of the officer’s commission (KSA 53-5a16[a]).

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