Official Signature

Notaries must sign their official signature as it appears on their commission. For example, if the notary’s name is “John Q. Notary” on the notary’s commission, he must sign as “John Q. Notary” and not “J. Q. Notary” or “J. Notary”.

It is extremely important that your signature always be signed exactly the same way you signed when you filed a copy with the clerk of the circuit court. Failure to sign the same way you registered your official signature could result in the rejection of the document, even if it is just a small discrepancy.

When notarizing a document you must include your printed name and commission expiration statement below your signature.

Study Tip: When you sign a document you must always have your printed name and commission expiration date placed below your signature.