For the notary's name on the notarial certificate, which requirement applies in Georgia?

• A. The exact name as it appears on the notary's commission
• B. The signer's preferred name
• C. The notary's nickname
• D. The signer’s alias

Answer: (C)

The essential rule is that the notary’s name on the certificate must match the name on the notary’s official commission. This exact name ties the act to the legally authorized individual and allows for proper verification of authority and accountability. Using a nickname or any variation would create ambiguity and could call into question who actually performed the notarization, since the public and authorities rely on the commissioned name to confirm identity and validate the notarization. The seal and all official records reflect the precise, commission-listed name, ensuring consistency across documents. A signer's preferred name or alias has no bearing on the notary’s own identification in the certificate.