New Jersey Notary Practice Exam

What must a notary do regarding their stamp if they change their name?

1. Obtain a new stamp reflecting the new name

2. Keep the old stamp for personal records

3. Use the old stamp until it runs out of ink

4. Change names without any documentation

The correct answer is: Obtain a new stamp reflecting the new name

When a notary changes their name, the proper course of action is to obtain a new stamp that reflects the new name. This is essential because a notary's stamp must accurately represent the notary's current legal name as it appears on their commission. Using a stamp that does not match the current name can lead to confusion and potential legal issues, as the notary's identity must be clear and consistent in all notarial acts. Additionally, the laws governing notaries ensure that notarial acts are performed with current and accurate information. This requirement helps maintain the integrity and trust associated with notarizations. Therefore, acquiring a new stamp is a necessary step in compliance with notarial regulations whenever there is a change in the notary's name. The other options present approaches that either do not adhere to legal requirements or promote inefficiency and potential confusion, making it critical for notaries to align their stamping tools with their current legal identity.