Does it matter what state the notary is in?
Asked by: Eden Rempel | Last update: June 2, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (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 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 where a notary is located?
Once a notary receives his or her commission, he or she is permitted to notarize documents in that state. This means that the location where the document is notarized is important, not necessarily where the document is from.
Can a notary notarize anywhere?
Yes, California Notaries have statewide jurisdiction (GC 8200).
Do you have to be a notary in each 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.
What Is a Notary & Why Should You Care
Does it matter what state a 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 transfer my notary to another state?
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.
Are all notary publics the same?
While every type of Notary Public shares the same core duties, the format of the documents they notarize and the location where the transaction occurs are the biggest differences between them. Traditional Notaries and Mobile Notaries may perform in-person electronic notarizations (IPEN).
Is one notary legit?
One Notary boasts high ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 1,200 reviews.
Where can notaries work?
Job Opportunities for Notaries
Real estate agencies, law offices, banks or credit unions and lending institutions are common places that hire commissioned notaries. But there are other industries — some with remote opportunities — to consider.
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.
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.
Does a notary stamp have the state on it?
Notary seal stamp requirements
In general, both a seal stamp and an embosser contain the Notary Public's name, state of commission and sometimes the commission expiration date.
Can a California notary use an out of state acknowledgment?
A notary public may complete a certificate of acknowledgment required in another state or jurisdiction of the United States on documents to be filed in that other state or jurisdiction, provided the form does not require the notary public to determine or certify that the signer holds a particular representative ...
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.
How to find a notary?
- FindaNotary.com.
- AAA and UPS Stores.
- Law firms or law offices.
- Real estate firms or real estate offices.
- Tax preparer or accountant offices.
- Auto tag and license service centers.
Is notary 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.
Can I make money as an online notary?
Remote online notaries typically earn between $25 and $75 per notarization, depending on clients and document types. States with higher demand, like California and New York, offer more earning potential for these professionals.
Is online notary worth it?
Remote online notarizations are more secure than traditional, in-person notarizations through a number of key security features, but perhaps the greatest fraud deterrent is the recorded video session.
Do notaries vary by state?
Each state regulates the qualifications to become a notary, the procedures notaries must follow, and the powers with which notaries are endowed. State statutes and regulations also determine which documents legally require notarization.
Does it matter where the notary is from?
So, can a notary public notarize out-of-state documents? 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.
What do you call a person who is a notary?
Notaries public (also called "notaries", "notarial officers", or "public notaries") hold an office that can trace its origins back to the ancient Roman Republic, when they were called scribae ("scribes"), tabelliones forenses, or personae publicae.
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 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.
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.