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How do notarized documents differ between states?
Notarized documents can differ between states in several important ways:
1. Notary requirements: Each state has its own laws governing notary qualifications, commissions, and practices. For example, Arizona requires notaries to purchase a four-year $5,000 bond
2. Notarial acts: The types of notarial acts allowed may vary by state. Some states may permit certain acts that others do not.
3. Venue information: The venue (state and county) listed on the notarial certificate must reflect where the notarization takes place, not necessarily where the document originated
4. State-specific laws: Notaries must follow the laws of the state where they are commissioned, even when notarizing out-of-state documents
. For instance, California requires notaries to obtain thumbprints for certain real estate documents, regardless of where the property is located
5. Bordering state agreements: Some states, like Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, allow notaries to act in bordering states if those states have reciprocal laws
6. Certificate wording: Notarial certificates may have state-specific language or requirements that differ between jurisdictions.
7. Recordkeeping: Journal-keeping requirements and practices can vary between states.
Despite these differences, a notary can generally notarize documents from any state, as long as the notarial act is performed within the notary’s commissioned jurisdiction
