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Can a notary public in one state notarize documents for clients in another state?

A notary public can generally notarize documents for clients from another state, but there are important considerations:

1. Physical presence: The notary and signer must typically be in the same physical location at the time of notarization, within the state where the notary is commissioned.

2. State laws: The notary must follow the laws of the state where they are commissioned, even when notarizing out-of-state documents

3. Interstate recognition: Most states have laws recognizing notarial acts performed in other states, facilitating cross-border acceptance of notarized documents

4. Document validity: The notarized document should be valid and enforceable in both the notary’s state and the state where it will be used

5. Remote online notarization (RON): Some states have adopted RON laws, allowing notaries to perform notarizations remotely. However, interstate recognition of RON can vary

6. Procedural neutrality: Interstate recognition laws are generally procedurally neutral, meaning the receiving state doesn’t condition acceptance based on the specific procedures used in the notarization

While notaries can often notarize documents for out-of-state clients, they must adhere to their own state’s laws and ensure compliance with both states’ requirements for the document to be legally recognized across state lines.