Can I use a notary from another state?
Asked by: Reid O'Reilly | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)
Can a Notary Legally Notarize Out-of-State Documents? Yes, a notary public can legally notarize documents from any state as long as the notarial act occurs in the state in which they were commissioned.
Can a notary notarize anywhere in the US?
The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.
Can someone from another state notarize?
Understanding Notarization Across State Lines
Notary commissions are state-specific, and a notary's authority is not typically limited to their own state. For instance, a notary public in Texas can notarize documents intended for use in California unless specific conditions are applied.
Can I transfer my notary from one state to another?
Can a notary notarize in another state? It is unusual for a notary to transfer his or her commission to another state. If you would like to become a notary in another state, you will probably have to meet that state's specific requirements. Therefore, your commission will not transfer to another state.
What is the Michigan law for notary?
(1) A notary public shall place his or her signature on every record upon which he or she performs a notarial act. The notary public shall sign his or her name exactly as his or her name appears on his or her application for commission as a notary public.
Can I Notarize Documents In Other States Or Countries?
Does Michigan allow remote notary?
Yes. An electronic or remote notarization must contain all the components of a complete notarization as set forth in the Michigan Law on Notarial Acts (MiLONA); including language to identify the notarial act as being performed electronically or remotely, if applicable.
How much can I charge as a notary in Michigan?
The Michigan Notary Public Act provides that a notary public may charge up to $10.00 for performing a notarial act.
Does it matter what state your notary is from?
Can a Notary Legally Notarize Out-of-State Documents? Yes, a notary public can legally notarize documents from any state as long as the notarial act occurs in the state in which they were commissioned.
Can I be a notary in multiple states?
For example, some states (e.g., California) limit notaries to perform only within their home state borders, while others (e.g., Montana) may allow broader authority under certain conditions.
What is the hardest state to become a notary?
New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission.
What is a remote online notary?
A remote online notarization (RON) is the act of performing a notarization remotely using two-way audio-visual technology. It is the online equivalent of an in-person, paper-based notarization where every part of the process is done via the Internet.
How to become a notary in Michigan?
- Meet all qualifications under Michigan state law.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete the Application for Notary Public Commission.
- Take your oath of office and file your bond.
In which of the following situations should a notary decline to complete a notarization?
- You know or suspect the transaction is false, illegal or deceptive.
- The act being requested is not an authorized notarial act.
- The signer is unable or unwilling to pay the required fee.
- The request is made outside of your regular office hours.
Is a notarized document valid in all states?
If a notarization is carried out within the requirements of a given state, it will be legally recognized in all states. The notary should always check that the state and country listed as the “venue” on the notarized document reflect the state where the notarization takes place.
What makes a notarized document invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
Can a notary notarize outside of their county?
Yes, California Notaries have statewide jurisdiction (GC 8200).
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Can a notary move to another state?
The answer generally is “no” — Notary commissions are not transferable between states. If you are relocating to another state, you need to resign your current commission and apply for a Notary commission in your new state.
How much do most notaries charge?
Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.
How long does notary take?
In most situations, notaries can typically process a document within 10-15 minutes, including verifying your identification, any required signatures on the documents, administering oaths if needed, and recordkeeping.
Can you notarize a document that has already been signed?
No, notarization rules vary by jurisdiction. Some states, like California, require the notary to witness the signature, whereas others, like Texas, allow acknowledgment of a pre-existing signature.
What is required by a notary of the person signing the notarized document?
Bring Acceptable Identification
The primary duty of a Notary Public is to verify your identity as the document signer. The most common way they determine that you are who you say you are, is by checking state-issued identification documents, like driver's licenses and passports.
Can I notarize for family?
“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public. With California's community property law, care should be exercised if notarizing for a spouse or a domestic partner.”
What is exempt notary income?
All Notary Income must be reported income on on Form 1040 Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ. However, notary income is exempt from self-employment tax on their notarial income because they are public officials. This means you are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare but you are taxed at full rate on your profit.