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The National Notary Bulletin

Do I need to sign my full name when notarizing?

By NNA Staff

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

Can you tell me if I need to sign my full name including my middle name? — J.H., Texas

According to Government Code 406.016(b), a Notary must sign their name exactly as it appears on the Notary commission. Your official Notary seal typically will contain your commission name, so if your Notary commission isn’t handy you should use sign the name as it is on your seal.

For more information, please see our article, “How to notarize a document in 5 steps.”

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.

View All: Hotline Tips

60 Comments

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Najjarah Mclean

22 Apr 2025

Do I use my name as the business on my notary oath of office application if I do not have an official business name?

National Notary Association

24 Apr 2025

Hello. Because rules for businesses vary in different jurisdictions, your best option would be to consult with a business attorney, legal service or organization such as the SBA that can provide advice regarding business structure.

Najjarah Mclean

22 Apr 2025

do I use my full name as a business name if I do not have a formed business name?

National Notary Association

24 Apr 2025

jen.donaldson@kyvek.net

25 Mar 2025

I'm in NM. Can I change my commission to use my first inital and last name?

National Notary Association

08 Apr 2025

Since your Notary license is issued by the state, you can start the name change process using this link. https://www.sos.nm.gov/notary-and-apostille/notary-commissions/notary-forms/ . It may be best to contact the SOS to confirm if your first initial and last name are allowed.

Maria Martinez

24 Feb 2025

Hello my driver license includes both of my lastnames Martinez Martinez. I always had used Maria G. Martinez with only one lastname. I received a letter saying that my commision needs my full legal name which is very long Maria G. Martinez Martinez. Do i really require both lastnames in my commision and also in my signature ... i would like to use just one last name please help.

National Notary Association

26 Feb 2025

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are applying for your Notary commission in?

deanna@wunderlily.com

31 Jan 2025

Hi I am becoming a notary republic in the state of florida do I have use my legal first middle and last name or can I just use my first and last name. Im a afraid it will won't fit my stamp if I use my full middle name.

National Notary Association

06 Feb 2025

You must use your legal first name (no initials) on your notary commission. However, you have flexibility with your middle name. Acceptable formats include: • Jonathan David Doe • Jonathan D. Doe • Jonathan Doe • Jon D. Doe

Brandi Gilmour

07 Jan 2025

I'm a notary in California. I am entering into a domestic partnership and I'm thinking about hyphenating my last name. Can I keep my commission as is?

National Notary Association

09 Jan 2025

Hello. In California, if a Notary changes his or her name, a Notary Public Name Change Application 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]).

Natalia Tune

08 Dec 2024

I’m in Washington State. What if I used my middle name in my surety bond but just first and last on my oath of office and commission? Is that going to be an issue?

National Notary Association

16 Dec 2024

The state of WA may request that your bond or oath of office be updated as all documents must match.

keishiae808@gmail.com

05 Dec 2024

Hello, I’m located in IL. When I applied for my commission I used my first initial and my last name, I’ve also signed my name as such. I can’t recall where the information is about signature requirements. Do I have to have my full first name and last name on my commission? Or is it fine the way I have it now? If I need to change my name on my commission do i have to reapply for another one?

National Notary Association

06 Feb 2025

When submitting a paper application, your state requires that your signature matches the name on your driver’s license. Recently, the application process was updated and is now completed through this link: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/notary/home.html. If you’ve changed your name, you must resign your current license and reapply under the new name.

Brenda Esquivel

05 Dec 2024

I am a Notary Public in California. When I took my oath at the county clerk's office, I asked the clerk if I could sign the way I usually sign which is just my first name and my initial of my last name. They said it was fine. I just want to make sure when I notarized a document what is the correct way to sign? I have been signing as first and middle initial to match my application signature, but should I be signing my full name as my commission shows? And if I do need to change it and they have to get my signature verified and it does not match my application, does it not void my notary signature to the document since it does not match what's on file?

National Notary Association

11 Dec 2024

Hello. When performing notarizations you will need to sign and write your name as it appears on your commission.

WILDALLNED ALICEA

18 Nov 2024

My Commision only has W.Alicea but my full name is not on my stamp. when printing my name on a Doc do, I just use W. Alicea or write out my full name ?

National Notary Association

11 Dec 2024

Hello. When performing notarizations you will need to sign and write your name as it appears on your commission. Also, the name of your stamp will need to match your name as it appears on your commission.

Marquis

16 Nov 2024

My first, middle and last name appear on my certificate of appointment , but the clerk told me to sign the notary signature the way I planned to sign documents so I only used my first and last name. I am in Fulton county- Georgia 1) Will this be an issue? 2) does my stamp need to include my first, middle, and last name? Or is that based off of my signature?

National Notary Association

06 Feb 2025

Hello. We can tell you that the stamp is manufactured according to the license and not the signature. Please contact our Hotline Team at hotline@nationalnotary.org or 1-888-876-0827 to speak with our team about your question regarding the instructions you received on how to sign documents in Georgia.

Shijo Joseph

09 Nov 2024

I am a notary public in texas. full name Shijo Joseph as appears in notary certificate, seal and all other documents. but my signature is only Shijo in all the documents Can I sign that way in my notary certificate

National Notary Association

11 Dec 2024

Hello. In Texas, according to Government Code 406.016(b), a Notary must sign their name exactly as it appears on the Notary commission. Your official Notary seal typically will contain your commission name, so if your Notary commission isn’t handy you should use sign the name as it is on your seal.

Joshua Padilla

26 Aug 2024

hi, I'm from California and My commission doesn't have my middle name on it. will this be a problem? It only has my first and two last names.

National Notary Association

09 Sep 2024

Illinois Notary

25 Jul 2024

Does Illinois Notary have to write their full name out that appears on the Drivers License. For example Mary Jane Doe or Mary Doe only?

National Notary Association

19 Sep 2024

The first and last name are required, middle names are not.

awaters777@icloud.com

25 Jul 2024

I am based in California My commission and Stamp have my First,last name with SR. When I filed my oath & Bond I only Signed my first and last name. When signing my name do I need to sign with SR or can I match my signature that is on file with the county clerk's office?

National Notary Association

12 Aug 2024

Hello. For California Notaries, your official signature is how you sign the oath of office form. So you would sign with your first and last name only.

Gill

24 Jul 2024

Hello, I wasn't aware that when I put in my application, because I used first middle and last I would need to sign as so. I never sign with my middle name, on my bond and probably my commission I probably just signed first and last. That being said I have been just signing first and last..., Is it okay to just correct the issue moving forward and sign my full name as it appears on my commission?

National Notary Association

06 Aug 2024

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

rachelregnell@icloud.com

08 May 2024

Hi there, When I signed my Oath of Office/application paperwork, I signed with only my first and last name. My commission license and seal have my first, middle, and last name. Should I be signing how I signed my Oath of Office/application paperwork with first and last name or should I be signing with first, middle and last? I am in Washington State. Thanks!

National Notary Association

13 May 2024

Hello. You should sign your name exactly as it appears on your Notary commission.

maria.cayao@gmail.com

08 May 2024

My name, middle and Last names are too long for my notary stamp. " Maria Del Pilar Diaz Mendoza de Cayao'' from Nevada What can i do? i need to Provide a value that is no longer than 20 characters to buy my notary Stamp.

National Notary Association

14 Jun 2024

Hello. Since the state of Nevada issues the license, the best course of action would be to contact them for guidance regarding your name length. You can reach them at: Secretary of State Notary Division 401 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada 89701 Phone: 775-684-7120

Jessica

07 May 2024

In Tennessee if my first and last name are on my notary seal, can I sign with my first initial?

National Notary Association

10 May 2024

Hello. Your signature should match the name that is on file with your commissioning official.

Darcy Nielsen

06 May 2024

On a commission clip, it has the legal signature of Notary and customary signature used to sign all notarial acts. Which one should be on the stamp?

National Notary Association

10 May 2024

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

Evangelina Gadbois-Luna

24 Apr 2024

I am applying to become a notary public in Texas. I have a hyphenated last name. Would I be able to only use the initial of my first name and last part of my hyphenated name as my signature?

National Notary Association

14 Jun 2024

Hello. Yes, you can use the initial of your first name and last part of your hyphenated name as long as you sign the application in the same manner. If the signature does not match the Notary Public name, the application will be rejected.

Shannon

26 Mar 2024

My legal name is hyphenated. I typically now go my my husbands last name. Do I have to use my legal name?

National Notary Association

29 Mar 2024

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

Justine Nichols

20 Mar 2024

I left my middle initial out of my signature. It’s shows “M” on my seal but when I signed I left out the “M”. Does that invalidate the document?

National Notary Association

21 Mar 2024

Hello. We're sorry, but that's a legal question that would need to be determined by a qualified attorney.

Rose Perez

18 Mar 2024

California

National Notary Association

21 Mar 2024

Thank you. For an acknowledgment, the prescribed acknowledgment wording in CC 1189[a][3] states that the Notary should fill in the Notary's name and title in the appropriate space when completing the acknowledgment certificate.

Rose Perez

14 Mar 2024

When I print my name in the line on the certificate do I have to write Notary Public after it? Rose Perez Notary Public for example.

National Notary Association

18 Mar 2024

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

Cheyenne Hornburg

08 Mar 2024

My name is 4 names long and I go by my 2nd and last name. In Texas, may I use just those 2 names on my notary commission application or do I need to use my full legal name?

National Notary Association

09 Apr 2024

Yes, you can use your two names on the Notary commission application if that’s how you want it to appear.

mjgumapal@hotmail.com

15 Feb 2024

I am a notary public in California. When i took my oath at the county clerk's office, i asked the clerk if i could sign the way i usually sign my documents or id like driver's license and i don't sign how my name is written on the seal. She said it is ok. just want to make sure when i notarized the document, i have to sign the way i sign when i took the oath at the county clerk's office?

National Notary Association

23 Feb 2024

You should always sign exactly as your name appears on your commission.

Kimberly Cruz

09 Feb 2024

When I completed my notary application (for Texas), I signed my first initial & full last name, is that ok?

National Notary Association

29 Feb 2024

Hi Kimberly. Your application is reviewed prior to submission to the state to ensure it meets the state guidelines. We will contact you if changes are needed.

Jennifer Ball

08 Feb 2024

My commission paperwork signature has my full first name and full last name. I always sign everything with my first initial and full last name. Am I able to notarize like that or do I have to sign full first and last name?

National Notary Association

04 Mar 2024

You should always sign exactly as your name appears on your commission.

TB

29 Jan 2024

When I complete my application at the county clerk office, can I put my first initial & full last name for my “notary name” signature, that will be on my seal?

National Notary Association

30 Jan 2024

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

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