If a notary public experiences a name change, what must they do?

When a notary public experiences a name change, it is essential for them to notify the Secretary of State and apply for a new commission. This process ensures that all official records and documents are updated to reflect the notary's current legal name, which is important for identification and verification purposes in all notarizations they perform.

Failing to inform the Secretary of State could lead to confusion or disputes regarding the notary's identity and the validity of their notarial acts, as all legal documents and notarial records must accurately represent the notary's name as it is recognized by the state. A new commission reflects any changes in personal status and maintains the integrity of the notarial process.

Notifying clients of a name change or changing a signature without the appropriate governmental action does not fulfill the legal requirements set forth for maintaining an active notary public commission. Ignoring the name change entirely would create serious complications regarding the legitimacy of notarized documents.