What is required for a notary public to change their name on their commission?

For a notary public in California to change their name on their commission, it is necessary to submit a new application with the updated information to the Secretary of State. This process ensures that all records are current and reflect the notary's legal name, which is crucial for the validity of notarial acts.

When a notary's name changes—whether through marriage, divorce, or any other reason—a new application is the appropriate legal step. This application includes all the required information as well as the signature under the new name, thus maintaining the integrity of public records related to notarial services.

The option indicating that no action is necessary overlooks the legal requirements for maintaining an accurate and up-to-date commission. Similarly, simply notifying clients or having a witness sign off on the change does not fulfill the regulatory requirements set forth by the Secretary of State for notaries. Therefore, submitting a new application is the definitive method to ensure compliance and proper documentation is in place.