Can an Illinois notary public use a name different from the commissioned name in a notarial certificate?

In Illinois, a notary public is required to use the name under which they are commissioned when completing a notarial certificate. This requirement is crucial as it ensures consistency and maintains the integrity of the notarial act. The commissioned name reflects the official identity of the notary, which is essential for legal and identification purposes. When a notary uses a name other than their commissioned name, it could lead to confusion or questions about the validity of the notarial act.

Using the commissioned name also helps to safeguard the process against potential fraud or misrepresentation. Clients and parties relying on the notary's services need assurance that the individual performing the notarization is indeed the same person authorized to do so by the state. For these reasons, adhering to this naming convention is not just a procedural requirement; it is a foundational principle for the trustworthiness of notarial acts in Illinois.