Notary Public Underwriters Blog
How to Handle Out-Of-State Documents
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- Published: May 15, 2023
Notaries know they can perform notarizations within their jurisdiction, which in most cases is their state of commission. But occasionally they are presented with a document from another state that requires a notarization and are unsure if they can assist.
As a notary public, you are legally allowed to notarize documents from other states. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when doing so.
Never Act Outside of your Jurisdiction
It may be confusing, especially if you live close to a state line where a document is being recorded, but it is critical for you to always stay within your jurisdiction when serving in your position as a notary public. Most notaries are authorized to notarize only within the state that issued the commission. However, a few states allow notarizations outside of the state, but only under specific conditions. For example, Montana has reciprocity agreements with Wyoming and North Dakota that allow Montana notaries to perform notarial acts in those states.
Follow State Laws
Regardless of where the document originated or will be recorded, you need to make sure to follow the laws and administrative rules for your state. One aspect of this you need to be aware of is ensuring the notarial certificate is compliant for your state. If not, having loose notarial certificates or notarial language stamps on hand can be useful for resolving this.
Verify the Venue
Make sure that the notarial certificate reflects the state and county where the notarization will take place. If it is pre-populated with incorrect information, simply strike through it and write in the correct information and initial the changes.
Remember: Never use whiteout or attempt to obliterate any inaccurate information completely, as this may raise doubts about the authenticity of the notarization.
