Can you live in one state and be a notary in another?
Asked by: Oswaldo Connelly | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 5/5 (17 votes)
Not all states will allow this. For example, the state of New York will enable non-residents to apply for a notary license in the state only if they are operating a business in New York State. Other states allow you to be a notary only in the state you physically reside in.
Can I be a notary in a state I don't live in?
Obtaining a Multistate Notary Commission
To become a notary public in multiple states, you must obtain a notary commission from each state. This allows you to perform notarial acts in states other than your home state.
Can notaries work in different 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.
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.
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.
Can I Notarize Documents In Other States Or Countries?
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent. Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.
What are the cons of being a notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
Can I transfer my notary 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 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.
Who can a notary not notarize for in Texas?
There is no specific prohibition against notarizing a spouse's or relative's signature or notarizing for a spouse's business. However, notarizations should not be performed by a notary public who is a party to the instrument or financially or beneficially interested in the transaction.
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.
Does Florida allow remote online notarization?
In January 2020, Florida enacted the House Bill 409, legalizing remote online notarization (RON).
When must a notary use blue or black ink in Arkansas?
When notarizing a document, the notary public must sign his or her official signature, as on file with the Secretary of State's Office, on every notary certificate, in blue or black ink, and affix his or her seal under or near his or her signature in blue or black ink.
Do notaries differ by state?
Notary laws vary by state in areas such as commission requirements, types of notarial acts permitted, and methods of notarization. For instance, some states allow notaries to perform electronic notarizations, while others only recognize traditional ink signatures.
How much does the UPS store charge for notary?
For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.
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 you be a notary in multiple states?
It is possible for you to become a notary in multiple states; however, this is an unusual process. There are situations where you can apply for a notary commission in multiple states; however, a lot of states will require you to be a resident of the state in which you are earning a notary commission.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
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.
Does it matter what state your notary is in?
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 is the easiest state to become a notary?
You can get your California notary public six-hour course and take the exam for only $79! The test is only 30 questions and you can miss 9 of them! I look at it more like a quiz because what test is only 30 questions and you can get a passing grade of 70%?
Can being a notary be a side hustle?
Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.
What can notaries not charge for?
Some states prohibit their notaries from charging or collecting a fee for notarizing a signature on any absentee ballot or absentee voter registration.
Is notary a high risk business?
Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.