Can I notarize in a state where I'm not commissioned?

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Are Notaries allowed to complete notarizations in a different state other than where their commission is issued? For example, if the notary is commissioned in North Carolina, can they complete notarizations in South Carolina? — B.H., North Carolina

Your jurisdiction as a North Carolina Notary only authorizes you to perform notarizations within North Carolina. See GS 10B-9: “A person commissioned under this Chapter may perform notarial acts in any part of this State.…”

For more information on jurisdiction rules in other states, please see our article and video “FAQ: Can I notarize documents in other states or countries?”

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

15 Comments

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Myrna Murrell

07 Aug 2023

No, Unless you obtain a Notary Public that will allow you to be noterized in all 50 states as well as perform marriage ceremonies. This is what I want to renew and hope I can get the same statue renewing my Notary. Notaries for Banks and out of the country will require speical requirements to obtain a Notary Public in order to notarize documents etc.

tonda boyland

How do you become a notary in all 5 states?

National Notary Association

08 Aug 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are a permanent resident in, and what states you want to apply for a Notary commission in?

Tonda Boyland

I live in Memphis TN.

09 Aug 2023

What other states do you wish to apply for a Notary commission in?

Robin Freeman

I have two questions: 1. Is it possible to become a notary in all 50 states? and 2. If I have a notary commission in Delaware, am I also able to apply for a notary commission in PA, MD and NJ?

10 Aug 2023

Hello. 1. No, not with a state-issued Notary commission. 2. You would only be eligible to apply for a Notary commission in the 3 states you mentioned if you are either a permanent resident or have a place of employment or practice in each of those states.

Annmarie Joseph

can i take the notary exam on-line. I am located in NY. Also how can I become a notary in all 50 states?

18 Aug 2023

Hello. It is not possible to hold a Notary commission in all 50 states, due to some states limiting commissions only to state residents.

Donna Musolino

11 Aug 2023

I am a permanent resident of New York state and would like to apply for a Notary commission in the states of NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, DE, MD, VA, NC. Can you direct me in how to go about applying? Thank you.

29 Aug 2023

Hello. You can find instructions for applying in New York here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/new-york All other states you listed would require you to be employed or have a place of business or practice within those states in order to be eligible for a Notary commission.

Sam

11 Sep 2023

My question is I currently live between 2 states, I run a business in Ga & live here & I also live in SC & help my son out running his business as well. I am commissioned in SC , Am I able to get commissioned in Ga as well ?

Hello. An applicant for a commission as a Georgia Notary Public must: (a) be at least 18 years old, (b) be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the United States, (c) have and provide at the time of application the applicant’s operating telephone number, (d) be able to read and write the English language and (e) be a legal resident of the Georgia county in which the application is made or, if living out of state, be a resident of a state bordering Georgia and regularly employed or carrying out a business or profession in the Georgia county in which application is made (OCGA 45-17-2). To prove county residency, the applicant must submit one of the following to the superior court (OCGA 45-17-2.1): a valid Georgia driver’s license, U.S. passport, voter identification card, or other ID issued by a local or state or the U.S. government. A Georgia Notary commission may be denied by the clerk of the superior court due to: (a) the applicant’s criminal history; (b) revocation, suspension or restriction of any Notary commission or professional license in any state; (c) commission of any of the prohibited acts listed in OCGA 45-17-15(a); or (d) a finding by the Georgia Bar or any court that the applicant engaged in the unauthorized practice of law (GNH).

Jade

13 Sep 2023

Hello! I am currently a notary in SC and I am near the NC border. Could I have both Notary commissions?

15 Sep 2023

Hello. To be eligible for a North Carolina commission, you would need to either be a resident of the state or have a regular place of work or business in the state (GS 10B-5[b]).

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