Name and Address Changes

Notaries must keep the Secretary of State informed of changes to their personal information. Failure to do so can result in discipline.

Address Changes

If you change your principal place of business address:

1. Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days
2. Provide your new address
3. Update any required registrations

Principal Place of Business:

• Where you primarily perform notarial services
• Must be a physical California address
• P.O. boxes are NOT acceptable
• May be your home if you work from home

Name Changes

If you legally change your name:

1. Notify the Secretary of State promptly
2. Obtain a new notary seal with your new name
3. The new seal must match your commission name exactly
4. May need to file amended oath and bond

Important: Your seal name must always match your commission. Using an old seal with your former name after a legal name change is improper.

Exam Tip: 30 days for address changes. Name changes require a new seal.

County Changes

If you move your principal place of business to a different county:

1. Notify the Secretary of State within 30 days
2. Obtain a new seal showing the new county
3. May need to file new oath and bond in the new county

Maintaining Current Information

Keep the following current:

• Mailing address (for receiving correspondence)
• Principal place of business address
• Phone number and email
• Name (if legally changed)

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to update information can result in:

• Missing important notifications
• Discipline by Secretary of State
• Inability to renew commission
• Potential commission revocation

Table: Update Requirements