Posted by VT_Syrup on 9/24/12 8:25am
Msg #435618

Signature styles

I don't want to hijack the "Short signatures" thread, but a point came up there about shortening one's notary signature by signing one's renewal application with a short, presumably illegible, signature. Of course one could do that if one wants to.

But what if one needs to change one's signature style in the middle of a commission term? For example, suppose your right hand is injured and you have to sign with your left for a while. So you're writing exactly every single letter that appears on your notary commission, both typed and in your cursive signature, but it looks different. Has anyone ever seen any requirement to notify the government agency that commissioned you about the change?

Of course there will be a problem if someone in possession of the document goes to the secretary of state for an apostille, because your left-handed signature won't look like the signature on file.

Reply by bfnotary on 9/24/12 9:03am
Msg #435621

That is actually something I should call the SOS and ask, Last year I had surgery on my right wrist and I feel that it may happen again. If it does, then I am sure I will have to sign with my left hand. I will definately ask that question before I do end up having surgery again.

I am wondering if maybe they have you go re register your signature? That is something I really would like to know.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/24/12 11:54am
Msg #435641

Along those lines, I wonder if I will be allowed to change how my name reads on my commission/certificate. I didn't realize when I applied for my commission in 2009 that using my middle Name would mean I'd have to notarize/sign with my Full name - and I don't like it! My everyday, normal signature includes my M.I., so I end up having to think REAL hard when notarizing not to shorten.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 9/25/12 8:40am
Msg #435751

PM: Thanks, Belinda n/m