Can I use my current Notary commission when working in another state?

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I have a question regarding my Notary stamp. I currently have a Washington state Notary commission. I am going to be moving to Kentucky but still working for the same company in Washington. Currently, I am notarizing billing paperwork for the same individual every day. Will I have to get a Kentucky Notary commission, or can I continue to use my Washington state commission? — A. K., Washington

If you move to Kentucky and notarize documents in Kentucky, you must apply for a Kentucky Notary Commission. You may not use the Washington Commission while in Kentucky.

For more information, please see our article and video on notarizing in other states and 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, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

6 Comments

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Doreen Fulton

01 Sep 2026

I have a NC notary stamp, can I use it in georgia or do I need to apply for a georgia notary?

National Notary Association

No, you may not use your North Carolina commission or North Carolina official seal to perform notarizations in Georgia. To be eligible to apply for a Georgia Notary commission, you would need to 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).

elnotario1948@yahoo.com

31 Aug 2026

I did not renew my commission a few years ago in Illinois. Will I need to apply as a new or renew notary as people keep asking for my service

02 Sep 2026

Hello. Since your previous commission has already expired for a few years, you will need to apply for a new commission. You can obtain help applying for a new commission through the NNA here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/illinois/become-a-notary and find more information from the state here: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/notary/online-notary.html

amenterprise70@gmail.com

17 Sep 2024

I would like to be a commissioned notary in Wisconsin and Indiana where I will be spending extended time with my daughters' families.

18 Sep 2024

Hello. Which states you may apply for a Notary commission in depend on your state of residence. The requirements for becoming a Notary in each state are as follows: Indiana: “An applicant for a commission as a notary public must: “(1) be at least eighteen (18) years of age; “(2) be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States; “(3) be a resident of or primarily employed in Indiana; “(4) not be disqualified to receive a commission under IC 33-42-13; “(5) satisfy all educational requirements; and “(6) have passed the examination described in section 2 of this chapter” (IC 33-42-12-1[b]). Wisconsin: An applicant for a commission as a Wisconsin Notary Public must (WS 140.02[1]): (a) be at least 18 years old, (b) have at least the equivalent of an eighth-grade education, (c) be a United States resident (i.e., maintain a permanent dwelling place in the United States and be in fact living in this country [NPH]), (d) have knowledge and/or training with regard to the duties and responsibilities of a Wisconsin Notary, and (e) not have an unacceptable arrest or conviction record (i.e., not have been convicted in state or federal court of a felony or a misdemeanor involving a violation of the public trust, unless a pardon has been issued). Notably, an applicant does not have to be a Wisconsin resident, nor a U.S. citizen. If you need help with the commissioning process, the NNA's Customer Care team can assist you. You can reach them by email at services@nationalnotary.org.

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