What should you do if your notary public name changes?

When your notary public name changes, it's critical to maintain the integrity and accuracy of your notarial records. Adding the new information along with the date of change ensures that anyone reviewing your notary journal can clearly see both your previous and current names. This method provides a transparent record of your name change, which is essential for legal and procedural consistency.

In the context of notarial practices, it's important to demonstrate a clear chain of identity, particularly when the notary's name is a key component in the legitimacy of notarized documents. Properly documenting the name change helps prevent any legal issues or questions about the validity of your notarizations.

Other options such as simply crossing out the old information, discarding the old journal, or delaying notification to the Secretary of State would not provide the necessary clarity or compliance with legal requirements related to record-keeping for notaries. Maintaining accurate and clear records not only protects the notary but also the public relying on the notary's services.