Posted by BossLadyMD on 5/18/11 10:31am
Msg #383526

This may be a dumb question but....

Can a person notarize a document with his first initial and last name only? For example J. Smith, Notary Public

Thanks!

Reply by HisHughness on 5/18/11 10:35am
Msg #383528

In Texas, a notarization must use the name under which the commission was issued. If you can get a commission issued with just your first initial, then yes, you can notarize under that name.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 5/18/11 10:42am
Msg #383529

Wow, apparently it's permissible in Maryland. I just checked and he does, in fact, have a notary commission with his first initial only. I didn't think that was allowed. Thanks for your response Hugh

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 5/18/11 10:43am
Msg #383530

If your commission request form was completed with an

initial and your last name, that is how you are authorized to sign.
(Your seal will have the initial and your last name.)
You cannot change the way, as a Notary Public, you sign during the time you are commissioned.
When you renew your commission, change it at that time.
It must be official and authorized.
Notaries with long names often complete the form with a first name initial and last name.
As long as it is official and authorized, I agree with Mr. Hughness.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 5/18/11 10:46am
Msg #383531

Thanks Stephanie, all the years as a notary; I never knew n/m

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 5/18/11 12:52pm
Msg #383544

No problem - I believe we all learn something new everyday! n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/18/11 3:02pm
Msg #383569

The answer will depend on your state laws & will vary. n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/18/11 4:31pm
Msg #383584

Ditto what Hugh said...IL requires the notary public to sign

the same name that's on the commission, same as what's on the notary's stamp.

Reply by dickb/wi on 5/18/11 10:50am
Msg #383532

my seal says R.E. Brockman and my sig is unreadable..... n/m

Reply by rengel/CA on 5/18/11 11:34am
Msg #383536

My commision reads, "Jane Doe Jones" but my signature is J. Jones

In California, your signature has to match how you sign your initial application.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 5/18/11 1:19pm
Msg #383548

You must sign exactly as your commission reads

Reply by RJE/MI on 5/18/11 3:14pm
Msg #383573

I just received my new commission and will be signing . . .

R. Ezinga for the first time today. Hope I don't forget.

Reply by SouthernOK on 5/18/11 10:20pm
Msg #383635

I use my first initial, should cut down ID fraud. n/m

Reply by Colleen Martin on 5/19/11 9:49am
Msg #383666

Re: I use my first initial, should cut down ID fraud.

hi there,
you must sign exactly as your name appears on your commission. next time i apply, i'm going to change to my first & middle initial and last name. easier and shorter!!