Your signature … it’s as unique as you are. But when it comes to signing your notary application, your unique signature may be a problem.

According to the Department of State, “Pennsylvania state law is requiring all notaries to sign their names so it is legible for verification with the notary stamp. Sign your name in cursive as it is stated in Part 1 [of the application]. Signature must be legible and be used this way every time you notarize as a notary public.”

Every time you sign your name as a notary, every letter of your signature must be readable. If you sign your notary application with your “unique” signature, the signature you always use, then chances are, your application will be rejected and the state will not approve it until you sign the application to their satisfaction.