Hotline Tip: Can I Notarize Documents That Will Be Recorded In Another State?

Hello Brenda, thank you for your question. As the hotline tip above states, it doesn’t matter where the documents will be filed, as long as the notarization you perform is within your jurisdiction and you follow the laws of the state where you are commissioned.

Hi Denise, thank you for your question. I'm sorry, but Massachusetts only permits its Notaries to notarize documents within the borders of the state-you may not travel to notarize a document in Connecticut. Your friend would have to ask a Connecticut Notary for assistance.

Hello Whitney, Thank you for your question. You didn't specify what kind of notarization your cousin is asking for, but there are a couple of possible issues based on the situation you describe. First, if your cousin wants a copy certification done, New York does not permit copy certification, either directly or by document custodian, for vital records such as birth, marriage and death certificates. Second, though some New York residents may qualify for a commission in Connecticut or New Jersey, a New York Notary does not have jurisdiction to notarize documents in the state of Florida. Any notarial act your cousin requested would have to be permitted and take place within New York's borders. Since it sounds like there may be additional complications regarding this request, I would suggest that you contact our Hotline counselors at hotline@nationalnotary.org with additional details and ask if they can provide further guidance for you. I hope this information helps you. Have a great day.

Hi Danisha, thank you for your question. South Carolina Notaries have statewide jurisdiction, so you may notarize anywhere within the state's borders. Have a great day.

Hello Anna, thank you for your question. First, are you still regularly employed in Virginia? Virginia only allows out-of-state residents to maintain a Notary commission if the Notary is regularly employed in Virginia. (COV 47.1-4) A nonresident Notary who ceases to be regularly employed in Virginia must surrender his or her commission. Second, is the document is paper or electronic and where is the document going to be used? Virginia Notaries may notarize a traditional paper document outside the state's borders only if the document is intended to be used in the Commonwealth of Virginia or by the U.S. federal government. Otherwise, a traditional paper document must be notarized within Virginia's borders. The Commonwealth of Virginia has separate rules for becoming an electronic Notary and notarizing electronic documents. For more information on Virginia eNotarizations, please see https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions/.

Hello Hannah, Thanks for your question. We would recommend contacting either the issuing agency or the document recipient to confirm with them whether an out-of-state notarization on the document would be acceptable.

Hi Kyle. The Indiana Secretary of State's official Notary guide provides the following guidelines for identifying signers: "In the event a notary public does not know the person presenting the instrument for notarization, the notary should do the following: Ask the person for identification (driver's license), or Have another person identify the party requesting notarization. If neither option is available or satisfactory, the notary may ask the person to take an oath as to his/her identity. If these attempts at identification are unsuccessful, the notary may refuse service for his/her own protection." Since the notarization is taking place in Indiana and the guide lists a driver's license as an example of identification you can accept from a signer, you should be able to accept a Wisconsin driver's license as ID.

Hi Patrick. You should check with the document issuing agency in Canada to find out what type of notarial act is being requested. If it's an act a Virginia Notary can perform, then you should be able to have it notarized in Virginia. If the act is one that Virginia notarized aren't authorized to perform then you may need to contact a local Canadian consulate or embassy for assistance in having the document notarized.

Hello Georgia, There should be no issues with notarizing the documents, provided they meet all requirements for notarization under North Carolina law. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Hello Donna. Nebraska Notaries have jurisdiction to notarize documents within the borders of the state (RSN 64-101[2]). Provided the notarization takes place within the borders of Nebraska, the requested notarial act is one you are authorized to perform in Nebraska and all other requirements under Nebraska Notary law are met, you should be able to notarize the document.

Hello, Nicole, thanks for your question. We forwarded it to our Hotline team and here's their response: "As a Texas Notary Public you can notarize both of the signer's signatures, as long as they are both present. Make sure that the notarial wording on the document is correct and there is room to make a clear impression of your commission stamp. If there is no room for a clear impression of your stamp, then attach a loose certificate of the same notarial act. If there is incorrect notarial wording, then attach a loose certificate of the same notarial act. Only fill out the attached loose certificate, then sign, stamp and staple the certificate to the affidavit."

Hello, Thanks for your question. Texas Notaries are authorized to notarize documents within the borders of the state. (GC 406.003). You would not be able to travel to New Mexico to perform the notarization, however, if the signer traveled to your state you could notarize the document in Texas, provided all other requirements of Texas notarial law are met.

Hello, A New Jersey Notary may notarize a document to be recorded in New York, provided the notarization takes place within the borders of New Jersey and all other requirements for notarization under New Jersey law are met.

Hello Dana, Thanks for your question. You may notarize signatures on the document provided the notarization takes place in Florida, the signer appears in person before you for the notarization and the notarial act meets all requirements of Florida law. You may not travel to Virginia to notarize the document there.

Yes, provided the notarization request meets all requirements of Texas law.

Hello, No, an Indiana Notary may only notarize within the borders of the state.

Hello Tanya, Arizona Notaries are only authorized to notarize documents within the boundaries of the state. (ARS 41-312). Also, page 14 of the Arizona Notary Public Handbook published by the Secretary of State's office says: "Arizona notaries public may only notarize documents within the state boundaries of Arizona." You can download and read a PDF copy here: http://www.azsos.gov/business_services/notary/Notary_Public_Reference_Manual.pdf

Hello John, A New York Notary only has jurisdiction within the borders of New York. To notarize in PA, you would need a Pennsylvania commission. PA Notary applicants must either be residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or be employed and maintain a physical business address within the Commonwealth.

Hello Olivia, The state entered in the venue portion of the notarial certificate should reflect the location where the notarization took place. For more information, please see this article: http://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/11/out-of-state-document-notarization

Hello KC. Yes, that's correct-you will need to apply for a new Notary commission in Massachusetts if you wish to become a Notary after moving to that state.

Hello, No, a Florida Notary's jurisdiction is statewide only.

You're welcome. FS 117.01[1] states "Notaries public shall be appointed for 4 years and shall use and exercise the office of notary public within the boundaries of this state."

Hello David, The venue on the Notary certificate wording indicates the location where the notarization takes place, not the location where the document is going to be filed. Pennsylvania Notaries only have jurisdiction to notarize within the borders of the state, not outside it. (57 PS 148) Falsely indicating that a notarization took place in a state you are not authorized to notarize in could result in disciplinary action by the PA Department of State, including a written reprimand, suspension of your commission or revocation of your commission. (57 PS 168)

I am a New York State Notary and was asked to notarize a signature on an affidavit in Baltimore, MD. Can I notarize this affidavit?

I am a notary in the State of Minnesota, I have just moved to Georgia and need to notarize some paperwork for my employer here. Would that be a valid notarization?

Can my Uncle have a document notarized in NC? He needs a document stating he allows his ex wife to take his son out of the country to visit family for 2 weeks. He has recently moved back to NC from Nevada.

I am a GA notary. Can I notarize a document in Alabama?

We are in NJ and have a document that needs to be signed by both an NJ and DE notary. Short of driving to DE (which is not an option) how can I get a Delaware notary to sign a document when I am in NJ? Thank you!

Can you notarize a document in Indiana for someone who lives in Illinois, if the notary is commissioned in Indiana?

I have hired an employee who is a notary in Illinois. We are located in Indiana. Can she notarize documents for our clients here in Indiana?

If I have a Note and Mortgage in PA, can I have these notarized in Broward county FL?

Can WV notary notarize a document in Kentucky

We live in Indiana. We need a document notarized by two people: a person living in Alabama along with another person living in Indiana. Can we send the document to Alabama to be notarized and then receive it back here to be notarized in Indiana? (The document would be executed in the state of Indiana.)

My husband is leaving soon and we currently live in VA. We need to do a last will and testament for him. We will be moving to FL while he is gone. If we have the will notarized in VA will it uphold in FL or do we need to get a will that states the county we will be living in in FL? THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Getting a divorce and wife lives in foreign country, will the courts accept her notarized documents from her country of residence?

I am a SC notary and I notarize a lot of files daily for a bank. Due to the volume of documents I notarize, my signature does not always look like my original signature. If I am keeping a record of every document I notarize, is it ok that my signature changes?

Hello, No, a MN Notary may only notarize within the state's borders.

Hello, You may notarize the document provided that the signer personally appears before you in the state of Massachusetts and follows all requirements of MA law for the notarial act.

Hello, There is nothing in Kentucky or Indiana Notary law prohibiting you from having the document notarized in either state, provided the signer physically appears before the Notary within the state where the Notary is commissioned and all other state law requirements are met. However, you may wish to contact the vehicle seller to ask if the seller has a requirement for the document to be notarized in a particular state.

Hello Robert, Yes, you may perform notarizations for the employees, provided that they personally appear before you in New Jersey and all other requirements of New Jersey notarial law are met. Persons residing in other states but who have an office or place of business in New York State may become New York State Notaries.

Hi Sandy. A person from West Virginia could certainly bring a document to Ohio and request that you notarize it. You would need to follow all required procedures under Ohio Notary law. However, for any questions regarding the legality of a notarized document, the signer would need to consult an attorney.

Hello Molly. It sounds like you want to know if a notarized consent form for a tattoo would be legally acceptable in Florida. Unfortunately, that's a legal question that we can't answer. While you can request your signature to be notarized on any document in Maine--provided that the notarization meets all requirements of Maine Notary law--notarization by itself doesn't guarantee that a business won't refuse a document for other reasons.

Hi Jessica. You should contact the vital records agency you are submitting the application to and ask for specific instructions regarding notarizing the application document.

Hello Carina. Florida Notaries may only notarize within the borders of their own state. You cannot administer an oath in Indiana.

Hello Deborah. An applicant for a commission as a Massachusetts Notary Public must (EO Sec. 3[a]): (a) be at least 18 years old and (b) reside legally or conduct business on a regular basis within Massachusetts.

Hello. No, New York Notaries may only notarize within the borders of their state.

Hello. A NJ-commissioned Notary may notarize a document brought from another state. The document signer must appear in person before the Notary within the borders of NJ and meet all other requirements of NJ Notary law.

Hello. As long as the document is notarized according to NY law, it should be accepted in Ohio.

Hello Monique. A signer from New Jersey could bring a document to you and have you notarize it within the borders of New York. However, you cannot travel to New Jersey to notarize a document there.

Hello. No, I'm sorry, but Texas does not authorize Notaries to perform their duties outside the borders of the state.

Hello Jessica. Notaries in Pennsylvania are not authorized to issue marriage licenses.

Hello. A New Jersey commission only permits you to notarize within the borders of the state of New Jersey. However, if you have an office or place of business in New York state, you may apply for a New York Notary commission that would permit you to notarize within the borders of New York. If you need assistance or information about becoming a New York Notary, you can contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 or services@NationalNotary.org.

Hello Matt. We're sorry, but we can't answer legal questions regarding the disposition of a deceased individual's estate. Any such questions should be directed to a qualified attorney.

Hi Ben. Generally, a document that is notarized in compliance with its origin state's laws is acceptable if sent to another state. However, without knowing more about the specific details of the document in question, it's impossible to be sure if another issue might lead to the document being rejected. For example, the document is a real property document and the county it is sent to doesn’t have an electronic recording system, it may present challenges. Or the particular agency relying on the document may be more comfortable with a paper notarization.

Hi Beth. You may notarize a document prepared in another state. However, the signer would need to personally appear before you in your state (in this case, Texas), and you would need to follow all of your state's rules regarding notarization, including how to identify the signer, the notarial certificate wording used, etc.

Hello Bridget. No, Maryland Notaries may not travel to notarize documents in Pennsylvania-only within the borders of Maryland.

I am a Mass Notary who is planning to move to New York. Can I notarize documents in New York?

I need a document notarized with me and my 3 siblings' signatures...3 of us live in LA but the fourth lives in WA. Can she get her signature notarized there and then we do our here?

Hello. I need to write a notarized letter to my bank in Maryland that I wish to close my bank accounts; however I now live in Utah. Can I have either a Maryland or Utah resident notarize this as long as they do it in their respective state?

I am a Notary for the state of SC if I move to GA how can I obtain my GA notary certificate or can I transfer it?

I am a Notary for the state of Pennsylvania. My cousin need to notary her certificate and she is holding NJ driver's license. Can I notarize document in NJ?

I am a Virginia resident but work in Washington, DC. Can I have a DC notary in my office notarize a will to be filed in VA?

I live in Arizona and we are trying to get my step son his learners permit. Application has been signed and notarized by a Louisiana public notary. Father lives in Louisiana and since Louisiana does not use a seal or permit they will not accept. They keep telling me it has to have a seal or stamp. Do states not honor other states Public Notary requirements?

Can my sister become a notary in New York and Marry my fiancé and I in Florida?

i was born in California but now live in New Jersey. I need a notarized sworn statement to get my birth certificate for a passport. Do i need someone in California to do it, or can i find someone here in New Jersey to notarize my papers?

I live in Arizona, and I have a vehicle power of attorney from my husband that needs to be signed- my cousin lives in Texas and wants to know if they can notarize the document for me?

I have a last will and testament notorized in New Hampshire. I recently moved to Florida. Do I have to have the document notorized in florida

I am currently a notary in NY but will be moving to FL. I will be getting a new FL notary license as I know that I will need it. My question to you is... if I am in FL and have to notarize something to be sent to NY (for my company which will still have an office in NY) am I able to use my Florida Seal (provided that the person signs in front of me)?

Hello I moved to Tampa Florida from Michigan. Would I have to go through the whole process again or can my commission be switched? Thanks in advance

Hello, We ran an ad in a local paper about an auction. It ran in Florida and the document from the newspaper has an Ohio notary seal. Should it not have been notarized by a Florida notary? (It is a Jurat.)

As a Notary in PA, am i allowed to Notarize NJ documents. such as affidavits, letters or receipt of letter, simple ID letters etc? Thank you

I am a notary and a resident in NC I have to visit my mother in NY to notorize her signature for a legal form. Can I do that when I am not in NC

I am buying a truck out of PA and i live in NY the title needs to be signed by a notery. can a NY notery sign it or do i have to have a PA notery sign it?

Hello! My parents own a house in Virginia, I am a resident of New York. I was asked to sell their house, can they notarize me in NY and will it work in Virginia? Thanks

Hello! My parents own a house in Virginia, I am a resident of New York. I was asked to sell their house, can they notarize me in NY and will it work in Virginia? Thanks

i just bought a car in ny but it's from p.a. ... can a NY notary stamp the p.a. title?

I'm a New York Notary, can I notarize a Declaration of Covenant and Restrictions Agreement for a Homeowner's Association for someone that lives in New York but the Covenant is for their property in North Carolina?

someone is asking me to notarize a florida document in new york, the document says it requires a seal. but new york does not require a seal which is why i don't have one. can i still notarize?

I am in Texas and a Texas resident would like for me to notarize a Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau Power of Attorney Document...can I do it in my state, or does he need to do it in Missouri?

Hi, I am a NJ Notary can I notarize a document for a real estate transaction in South Carolina?

I am a Notary in New Jersey. May I notarize a document that is to be recorded in Pennsylvania?

I am a Pa resident previously working in Pa with a Pa notary. I am now still a Pa resident but working In NJ. How do I become a NJ notary? Do I just resign my PA notary and start completely from scratch in NJ? Or is it easier for me to become a notary in another state since I am already a notary in Pa?

Hello, I am a NY notary and have been asked to notarize a NY document for attendance to a NY school and the signer lives in Brazil. Can I still notarize this document without their presence?

My roommate recently moved out of state. She didn't change the name on the internet bill, and we were sent a form. IT requires notarization, however she no longer lives in state to be present. Would we have to have the form notarized twice, for when we each sign? Or can one person have it notarized?

I'm a notary in Massachusetts can i notarize a document for the state of Florida, for someone who is a resident of New Hampshire

I am a Notary in the State of New Jersey. Can I notarize a loan document (bank out of Pennsylvania) for a co-worker who lives in Pennsylvania?

If I become a notary in the state of Indiana would I be able to notarize in the state of Texas.

Can I notorize a document for my husbands aunt for the selling of land in WV if I am a notary in MD?

My husband works in NJ during the week but lives in NY. He needs to have a document notarized. Can the notary at his job notarized a document for him even though his residence is in New York?

If I am in Colorado and need to notarize a contract with a second party over a vehicle in Missouri, how do I do that?

I was a resident in South Carolina when I got my notary and have now moved to North Carolina. Can I still notarize documents in North Carolina? Or do I need to be (physically) in South Carolina to notarize things?

I have obtained a notary certificate in Arizona. I will be moving to California in a few months. Can I transfer my certificate or do I have to go through the process again? How many states can you be certified in at the same time?

Hi, My client is in Texas. She needs to have a document prepared in (and to be recorded in) Pennsylvania notarized. Will she be able to have a TX notary notarize the document, and then will that be a legal notarization for recording in Pennsylvania? Thank you!

I live in Oregon. I received a charge by a police officer, but it was signed by another person "for (the officers name)". Is that legal, ethical or whatever?? Thanks in advance!-

I’m a Virginia Notary and permanently work in Virginia, but frequently work at our Maryland office since its close in distance. As a VA Notary, can I notarize while temporarily working at our Maryland office? Thanks.

I’m a Virginia Notary and permanently work in Virginia, but frequently work at our Maryland office since its close in distance. As a VA Notary, can I notarize while temporarily working at our Maryland office? Thanks.

I am a Notary in Massachusetts. May I notarize a document that is to be recorded in Rhode Island?

I've just moved and my notary license is still active. Can I transfer my notary powers from state to state?

I am a Baltimore County, Maryland Notary. Can I notarize documents in Virginia or DC

I am a NY notary and a friend of mine, who is a NY resident, has to have documents notarized that has to be sent overseas. Am I allowed to notarize this document?

I live in Ohio, and I was wondering if I typed a document up and had my boyfriend's aunt sign it, would it be legal? Would it still count in court?

My best friend is wanting to send her son love with me she lives in fl and I love in va can we get a power of attorney notarized in both states or do we both need to be presant when notaring the papers

i am a wyoming notary and my i was asked to notarize a will for some people who live in the state of oklahoma am i allowed to do that?

Hello. I live in Virginia, and I am trying to fill out paperwork that will be filed in Florida. Will the paperwork be accepted if it is notarized here in Virginia instead of Florida?

As a notary for the state of WV, can I notarize documents in the state of Ohio?

I am a notary in the State of Ohio and have moved to Indiana. Can I transfer my notary to Indiana, or do I have to start at the beginning and go thru the process all over?

I am a notary in Florida and someone wants me to notarize a resignation of a will for her Aunt who lives in North Carolina, is this possible??

I'm in Pennsylvania. I want to bid a project in New York State and the bid docs call for a NYS Notary. Do you think I could find a NYS licensed Notary in Wilkes-Barre or Scranton, PA?

I'm commisioned in NC. I traveled to see family in PA. Am I able to notorize a document while in PA?

I'm commisioned in NC. I traveled to see family in PA. Am I able to notorize a document while in PA?

I am a notary in RI...can I notarize a Massachusetts document for someone if they come to me??

I am a GA notary. A friend who lives in GA is buying a piece of land in TN from my father, who also lives in TN. If both people are in GA when they sign a promisory note, can I notarize the document? Thank you

If a RI resident and notary takes a job in MA, can they become a Non-Resident MA notary?

Hello, I have been a notary in Florida for 26 years and I am planning to move to Massachusetts soon. Is there some kind of reciprocity or do I need to apply for a Mass notary and let my FL one lapse? The FL one is coming due soon. Thank you for your help! Eve

I am a CT notary, can I notarize in NY? I work in both states and live in CT.

Can a IL Notary notarize a document for family member in Ky.

Is it true that a stamp is acceptable for documents filed in your state, and that seals are required if the document is being filed out of state? Just looking for clarification. Thanks! (I'm in NY if it is state specific)

I am a NJ resident, can I have my Will notarized by a NY state Notary. Thanks.

I am a notary in California, at my work we deal with a lot of documents from other States that require notarization-do I need to substitute my Notary acknowledgment or can I use the Notary acknowledgment/verbiage on the out of state document?

I am a notary in the state of Florida can I notarize divorce papers?

I'm employed by my uncle in Massachusetts. Would I be able to notarize documents pertaining to the business? (Typically lien waivers and applications for payment)

I need to send a Georgia power of attorney document to someone in Brazil. What is the best way for the person in Brazil to have this document notarized and still be legally binding in the state of Georgia

Can a Maryland notary notaries in Maryland, the DC mortgage loan documents with one of the parties having a power of attorney, but without the poa being present and to be file in DC.

I am signing an irrevocable trust agreement as sole the trustee. My parents are the Grantors. The document was created and signed by my parents in New York State (where they live). Could a New Jersey notary notarize this document? Thanks

I am a Florida notary. Can I notarized duplicate marriage form from Taxes

Hello, I am a NJ resident, but work in NY. I am looking to become a notary in NY, but we also conduct business in NJ. Can I be licesnsed in both states and, if I were to leave my position in NY, would I still be able to notarize documents for New York?

As a basic PA Notary is there any issue with notarizing a transfer of ATV title (not mine) or does DMV have to be involved?

Hi Martha. You may notarize a signature on a document prepared in another state, but the signer must personally appear before you in Florida and the notarial act requested must meet all requirements of Florida law. Hope that helps!

Hi Patricia. There is no specific prohibition in Texas against notarizing a relative's signature. However, if you are a party to the document, named in the document or would receive some sort of benefit or financial gain from the document in question,another Notary should perform the notarization.

Hello. You would need to contact the receiving agency to find out if they have any special requirements regarding where the document is notarized. Please be aware that if you wish to have a Notary from another state notarize your signature on the document, you would have to travel to that state and appear in person before the Notary.

Hello. Yes, but only under two conditions: 1. If you are a resident of Texas employed in Oklahoma, or 2. If you are an escrow agent who resides in Oklahoma and apply for a Texas Notary commission using the Form 2301-E from the TX SOS website and post a $10,000 surety bond from a surety company authorized to do business in the state of Texas.

Hello. Non-residents of North Carolina may qualify as Notaries if they have a regular place of work or business in the state (GS 10B- 5[c]). Non-residents must submit a proof of employment statement from their employer on company letterhead. You should contact the North Carolina Secretary of State at 919-807-2219 to find out if you will be required to resign your current commission and apply for a new one once you move, or if you can keep your current commission and submit a change of address notification.

Yes, provided the notarial act requested is lawful and the notarization meets all requirements of Virginia law.

Hello Barrie. A PA commission only authorizes you to notarize within the borders of Pennsylvania. To perform notarizations in New York, you would need to apply for a NY commission.