Name Change — Amended Commission

Government Code §§8213 and 8213.6 govern the name change process for commissioned notaries. The steps, in order:

1. Submit a completed Name Change application to the Secretary of State.
2. The SOS reviews and issues an amended commission bearing the new name. The commission term and number remain unchanged — only the name updates.
3. Within 30 days of the amended commission's issuance date, file a new oath of office and an amendment to the surety bond with the county clerk.
4. Within 30 days of that filing, obtain a new official seal that reflects the updated name.

If the 30-day filing deadline is missed, the name change becomes void and the commission reverts to the prior name automatically. The notary must submit a new Name Change form and begin again.

Once the amended oath and bond are filed, the old commission — including the old seal — may no longer be used.

Exam Tip: Two sequential 30-day clocks: one from the amended commission date (to file oath and bond), one from the filing date (to obtain a new seal). Confusing their starting points is a common mistake. Both deadlines are mandatory — missing either one has consequences.