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Do I need to sign my middle name if it appears on my Notary commission?

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Can you tell me if I need to sign my full name, including my middle name, if it’s on my Notary commission certificate?A.O., Illiinois

Yes. The Illinois Notary handbook (p.24) states that the Notary is to sign as commissioned and provides this example: “If a notary is commissioned as John M. Doe, that is the name that must appear on his stamp, and he must sign his name that way. Signing as J.M. Doe or using any other variation is not acceptable.”

For more information, please see our article and video on how to fill out a Notary certificate

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

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