When important documents need to be notarized, people often wonder: Can my notary work in more than one state? It’s a reasonable question, especially if someone lives near a state border, travels frequently, or works with a notary remotely.
The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Although a notary must be a legal resident of the United States, their notary commission is not regulated by the United States government. Notary commissions are granted by individual states, and the rules vary widely. Some states allow dual commissions, others strictly forbid it, and remote online notarization (RON) adds another layer of complexity. Let’s break it all down in plain English.
What It Means to Be a Notary “in a State”
Every notary public in the United States is commissioned by a specific state government—usually through the Secretary of State. That commission, or notary license, so to speak, gives the notary legal authority to perform official notary services such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and verifying identities.
Each state sets its own rules for how a notary becomes commissioned, including training, exams, background checks, bonding, and recordkeeping. Most importantly, the commission is valid only within the boundaries of that state.
If a notarial officer moves to a different state or wants to perform notarial services there, that notary generally must go through the notary application process for a new commission under that new state’s notary laws. Notary authority does not automatically transfer across state lines.
Can My Local Notary Be Commissioned in More Than One State?
In many cases, yes—but it depends on the laws of the specific states involved. Some states make it relatively easy for a notary to hold two commissions, while others do not allow it at all.
To be commissioned in more than one state, a notary must:
- Meet each state’s eligibility requirements.
These specific requirements may include residency or proof of employment in the state, background screening, an exam, or a surety bond. - Apply separately for each commission.
Each state requires its own application, fees, and sometimes an oath or filing with the county clerk. - Follow the laws of the state where the traditional notarization services take place.
Even if a notary holds two commissions, the rules of the state where the official acts occur always govern what can and cannot be done. - Physically be in the state whose commission is being used.
For in-person notarizations, the notary must be standing within the borders of that state when the document is signed.
Because of these strict requirements, most notaries only maintain a single commission. But for those who live or work near state borders, dual commissioning can be both legal and practical.
Examples of States That Allow Dual Commissions
Certain states have built-in flexibility for notaries who live or work across state lines.
- Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota:
These neighboring states have long recognized each other’s border traffic. A notary who lives in one but works in another may be eligible for commissions in both. - Indiana and Illinois:
Both allow nonresidents to apply for commissions if they maintain employment or a business address within the state. - New York:
Nonresidents who own or operate a business in New Jersey may apply for a New Jersey commission, provided they meet all other requirements.
On the other hand, many states—such as California and Florida—require strict residency and do not allow nonresidents to become notaries. In those cases, dual commissioning is not possible.
So, if an attorney in Minnesota often works with clients in Wisconsin, that attorney could hire a notary who holds commissions in both states, as long as both jurisdictions allow it.
How Remote Online Notaries (RONs) Change the Game
In recent years, remote online notarization, or RON, has revolutionized how documents can be notarized. A RON uses secure audio-video technology to complete a notarization process virtually, without the signer and the notary being in the same physical location.
Here’s how it works:
- The notary verifies the signer’s identity online using approved technology.
- The entire session is recorded.
- The document is digitally signed and sealed.
However, there’s one crucial rule:
The notary must be physically located in the state where they are commissioned at the time of the notarization.
So, for example, if a notary is commissioned in Texas as a remote online notary, that person must be physically in Texas when performing the remote online notarizations, even if the signer is in another state, or even overseas.
The signer’s location is flexible; the notary’s location is not.
Can Remote Online Notaries Work Across State Lines?
In many cases, yes. A properly commissioned remote online notary can notarize documents for signers located anywhere in the United States—provided two conditions are met:
- The state where the notary is commissioned allows RONs.
- The state where the signer is located recognizes remote notarizations performed under another state’s laws.
This is why RONs are sometimes said to have “nationwide reach.” The notary doesn’t need to travel, but the notarization remains valid if both states’ laws are compatible.
States That Allow or Restrict Remote Online Notarization
As of 2025, most states (more than 45 plus Washington, D.C.) allow remote online notarization either permanently or through newly enacted laws. But a few still restrict or prohibit it.
States Where RON Is Allowed
Examples include Texas, Florida, Virginia, Arizona, and Ohio. These states were among the first to adopt permanent RON laws and have detailed procedures for verifying identities, storing video recordings, and issuing digital certificates.
States That Still Limit or Prohibit RON
- California:
California currently does not allow its own notaries to perform remote notarizations. However, it may accept notarizations performed by RONs commissioned in other states if those notarizations comply with the other state’s law. Legislation has been introduced to bring RON to California in the near future. - Connecticut:
Connecticut allows remote notarization for some documents but excludes real estate transactions. - Other evolving states:
Some states, like Massachusetts and Illinois, only recently implemented RON (in 2024) and continue to refine their rules.
Because laws continue to change, anyone relying on a remote notarization should confirm whether both states involved currently allow or recognize RON.
Quick Reference: Dual / Nonresident Commissions & RON Laws by State (Examples)
| State | Example of Nonresident / Dual Commission Rule | RON / Remote Online Notarization Status and Notes |
| Illinois | A nonresident from a bordering state may be commissioned in Illinois (if they maintain a place of business or employment in IL). Also, an individual may hold commissions in both Illinois and Indiana if qualifying in both. National Notary Association+1 | Illinois adopted RON in 2024. NotaryCam+2Stavvy Blog+2 |
| Indiana | Indiana allows “reciprocation” with Illinois. Meaning someone satisfying both states’ requirements can have commissions in both. National Notary Association | Indiana has permanent RON laws. NotaryCam+2Stavvy Blog+2 |
| Montana / Wyoming / North Dakota | These neighboring states are often cited in “border reciprocity” situations: e.g. a notary in Montana may act in Wyoming or North Dakota if their laws allow. Superior Notary Services | All three have adopted RON (Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota) under current statutes. NotaryCam+2Stavvy Blog+2 |
| Virginia | Virginia allows nonresidents to be appointed as notaries if they are regularly employed in the state and perform notarizations in connection with that employment. Commonwealth of Virginia | Virginia was one of the early adopters of RON. National Notary Association+1 |
| New York | Nonresidents may apply for a NY notary commission if they operate a business in New York State. Notary Jane | New York allows electronic notarization (and replaced remote ink notarization). Department of State+2NotaryCam+2 |
| Virginia | (repeated for emphasis) | — |
| California | California traditionally required residency and didn’t allow remote notarization under its own commission—but in 2023 it passed SB 696 to eventually allow RON under new rules. NotaryCam+2NotaryCam+2 | California’s RON rollout is phased; until full implementation, its own notaries might not yet perform RON. NotaryCam+1 |
| Connecticut | — | Connecticut allows remote notarial acts but excludes real estate transactions. MBA+2NotaryCam+2 |
| Delaware | — | Delaware is in the process of implementing RON; once implemented, its notaries can perform RON. It also recognizes out-of-state RONs under certain conditions. OnlineNotary.us+2NotaryCam+2 |
| Alabama | — | Alabama does not currently authorize its own notaries to perform RON, but Alabama law recognizes out-of-state remote notarizations under certain rules. OnlineNotary.us+2National Notary Association+2 |
| Georgia | — | Georgia’s temporary authorization for RON expired; it currently does not authorize its own notaries to perform RON (but may accept out-of-state RONs). Remote Notary Experts+1 |
| North Carolina | — | North Carolina currently does not allow RON, but it does not necessarily prohibit notarizations by out-of-state notaries under some conditions. Remote Notary Experts |
| Mississippi | — | Mississippi does not authorize its notaries to perform RON at present but recognizes remote notarizations from other states under limited rules. OnlineNotary.us+2Pandadoc Notary+2 |
How This Affects the Public
For most people hiring a notary, the takeaway is simple:
- A notary’s authority depends on the state that issued their commission.
- A notary may be authorized in more than one state, but only if each state’s rules permit it.
- When a notarization is done remotely, the notary must still be physically located in their commissioned state.
- A signer can usually be anywhere, as long as their state recognizes that form of notarization.
So, if a document is notarized remotely by a Texas notary while the signer is in the State of New York, the notarization procedures follow Texas law. New York would generally accept it if state law or the receiving institution allows RONs from other jurisdictions.
Why Multi-State Notaries and RONs Matter
Understanding these rules helps explain why your notary might, or might not, be able to help with certain documents.
- Border communities:
In regions where people live and work across state lines and holds commissions in both states can save clients time and confusion. - Digital convenience:
A remote online notary allows signers to complete important transactions—like loan documents or affidavits—from anywhere, without needing to meet in person. - Legal confidence:
Working with a notary who understands both the notary’s state law and RON procedures ensures the notarization will stand up to scrutiny if questioned later.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Notary
If a document involves multiple states or will be notarized remotely, a few quick questions can protect everyone involved:
- Is the notary commissioned in the state where they are performing the notarization?
The notary should always confirm their commission is current and valid in that state. - Is the notary performing the notarization in person or remotely?
Remote notarizations follow different rules and require specific technology. - If remote, is the notary physically located in their commissioned state during the session?
This detail determines whether the notarization is legally valid. - Does the receiving party accept remote notarizations?
Some courts, banks, or agencies still require traditional in-person notarization.
Asking these questions upfront helps avoid rejected documents and delays.
A Few Legal Caveats
Because notary law is handled at the state level, regulations change frequently. Some states update their notary or RON statutes every year. Additionally:
- Certain document types—such as wills or deeds—may have special rules.
- Some institutions may decline to accept remote notarizations even if state law allows them.
- Security and identity verification standards for RONs are strict, and failing to follow them can invalidate the notarization.
It’s always best to verify current state laws or check with the Secretary of State’s office if any uncertainty exists.
The Bottom Line
A notary’s authority isn’t nationwide; it’s state-based. But depending on where the notary lives and works, it’s possible for that person to be commissioned in more than one state if each jurisdiction allows it.
For in-person notarizations, the notary must always be physically within the boundaries of the state whose laws apply.
For remote notarizations, the notary still must be located in their commissioned state, but the signer can be almost anywhere.
So while your notary might not have a “passport” to notarize everywhere, technology and evolving laws are making it easier than ever to get documents notarized legally and conveniently across state lines.
FAQs
- Can you be a notary in every state? The simple answer is no. However, a RON notary can notarize documents in every state that allows RON.
- Can a notary cross state lines? Yes, if they have a notary commission in each state.
- Are notary publics state specific? Notaries have to be physically located within their state that their notary commission is in when they notarize a document. However, as long as they are in their state-specific commissioned boundaries, they can perform RON notary acts for someone in another state that allows RON.
Contact me to schedule all your notary needs.