Why the Name on Your Identification Should Match Your Document 📃
Be prepared for your in-person or online notarization.
Identification is an essential part of the notarization process.
Before completing a notarization, the notary must be able to reasonably identify the signer. Differences between the name on a document and the name shown on identification can create questions or delays.
Review Your Information Before the Appointment
Before scheduling, check how your name appears on:
the document
your government-issued identification
any supporting paperwork provided by the receiving organization
A minor difference may not always prevent a notarization, but the notary must follow the laws and identification standards of the commissioning state.
Common Name Differences
Questions may arise when a document includes:
a maiden or former surname
a middle name not shown on the ID
initials instead of a full name
a nickname
a misspelled name
A notary cannot simply alter a document or advise a signer how to complete it. Questions about acceptable wording should be directed to the organization, attorney, or other party that prepared or will receive the document.
Prepare in Advance
To help avoid delays:
review the document before the appointment
bring valid identification
contact the receiving organization if the names differ significantly
do not change important information without authorization
A few minutes of preparation can help make a notary appointment smoother and reduce the possibility of a rejected document.
FC Signings & Co. provides professional remote online notarization and document-support services with care and attention to applicable requirements.
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