Updated 5-12-23. The rules for Notaries performing services in their own state are usually clear-cut … but what happens if a Notary moves to another state? Or the Notary works in one state, but lives in another? Or someone asks if you can travel to another country to notarize a document? To learn more about the facts and misconceptions about cross-border notarization issues, take our quiz. (Detailed answers can be found below.)
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ANSWERS:
1. Is a Notary commission transferable if the Notary moves to another state?
A. Yes, the Notary can transfer his or her existing commission to the new jurisdiction
B. No, but the Notary is automatically granted a second commission in the new state
C. Yes, the Notary can notarize in the new state using his old commission until it expires
D. No, the Notary must apply for a new Notary commission in the new state
Answer: D. The NNA is frequently asked if Notaries moving to a different state can transfer their current commissions over to their new state. The answer is no. If you are relocating and want to notarize within your new state, you would need to apply for a Notary commission in the new state.
2. Can a Notary hold a commission in more than one state at the same time?
A. Yes, all states allow this
B. No, no state allows this
C. Yes, if the particular states allow it
D. No, only civil law attorneys may notarize in multiple states
Answer: C. Some jurisdictions allow you to apply for a Notary commission even if you do not live there, provided you meet specific requirements. In New York, for example, out-of-state residents can apply to be a New York Notary if the applicant has an office or place of business in the state. So a New Jersey resident who works in New York could hold Notary commissions in both states.Not all states allow this. Florida, for example, only grants Notary commissions to state residents. If you wish to obtain a Notary commission in another state, be sure to check the rules of the state in which you wish to be commissioned to make sure you meet the requirements.
3. Does a Notary commission in one state authorize you to notarize in another?
A. No, to do that you must obtain a new commission in the other state
B. Yes, all states allow Notaries commissioned in one state to notarize in any state
C. No, because all states require you to be a state resident in order to become a Notary
D. Yes, but only if state law specifically allows it
Answer: D. Specific states have laws allowing this. For example, Virginia law allows a Notary to notarize anywhere in the world if the document is intended to be used in Virginia. Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming allow Notaries from bordering states to notarize in their state if the bordering state extends the same permission to its Notaries. Thus, a Montana Notary may perform notarizations in Wyoming and North Dakota, a North Dakota Notary in Montana, and a Wyoming Notary in Montana.
4. Can I notarize for an out-of-state signer who comes to my state?
A. No, the signer must return to his home state and find a Notary there
B. Yes, if you follow your state’s laws when you notarize the signature
C. Yes, but only if the document will be filed in your state
D. Yes, if you follow the laws of signer’s home state when you notarize the signature
Answer: B. You may perform a notarization for a visitor from another state, provided the notarization takes place within your commission jurisdiction. The notarization also must meet all requirements of your state’s Notary laws, including the rules for personal appearance, proof of identity and notarial certificate wording.
5. Does my Notary commission allow me to notarize in a foreign country?
A. Yes, because all countries recognize the authority of Notaries of any country
B. No, because state law only allows Notaries to notarize within its physical borders
C. Yes, but only if state law specifically allows it
D. Yes, if my document has an apostille attached to it after the notarization is complete
Answer: C. As mentioned in question 3, Virginia allows its Notaries to notarize anywhere under certain circumstances.
6. Does my Notary commission allow me to notarize for a signer who is in another state or country?
A. No, the signer must always be in my physical presence
B. Yes, all states allow this
C. Yes, but only if the state allows it
D. Yes, if I am in the same state or country as the signer
Answer: C. If your state authorizes Notaries to perform remote online notarizations, the law is in effect and operational, and you have properly qualified as a remote online Notary, then you may notarize for a signer who is in another state or country.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.