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

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, 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

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, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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2 Comments

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Kristy

23 Sep 2026

Am I allowed to change my name the next time I renew my commission? For example, changing from "Kristy Smith" to "K. Smith" will enable me to sign my name easier and faster.

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2026

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

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