If you’ve ever needed a document notarized in different states, you may have noticed that the process isn’t always the same. That’s because notary laws are not uniform across the United States.
Each state creates its own rules governing how notaries are commissioned, the services they can perform, and the fees they can charge. While the core purpose of a notary public—verifying identities and preventing fraud—remains the same, the details vary depending on where you live.
In this post, we’ll break down how notary laws differ by state and what you should know before getting documents notarized.
The Basics: What All Notaries Do
No matter the state, all notaries serve the same fundamental role:
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Verify the identity of the signer.
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Ensure the signer is acting willingly and is of sound mind.
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Witness the signing of important documents.
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Complete a notarial certificate with a seal or stamp.
This ensures trust and authenticity in legal and financial documents.
How Notary Laws Differ Across States
1. Commissioning and Training
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Some states (like California and Florida) require notaries to complete training and pass an exam.
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Others (like New York) have fewer requirements, sometimes only a written test or application.
2. Fees Notaries Can Charge
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California allows up to $15 per signature.
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New York sets the fee at $2 per act.
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Texas allows $6 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature.
This means the cost of notarization can vary widely across the country.
3. Use of Seals and Stamps
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Some states require an ink stamp (California).
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Some allow an embossed seal (Louisiana).
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A few, like New York, do not require any seal at all.
4. Remote Online Notarization (RON)
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States like Virginia, Florida, and Texas allow RON, where documents are notarized via secure video call.
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Others still require in-person notarization.
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A few states are slowly adopting RON with strict rules and limited acceptance.
5. Powers and Limitations
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Louisiana notaries have expanded authority, closer to civil law notaries, and can draft certain legal documents.
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In most states, notaries only witness and verify signatures.
Why These Differences Matter
If you’re moving, doing business in multiple states, or signing documents across state lines, it’s important to know that:
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A notarization done in one state is usually valid in another.
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The process and cost may differ.
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Some documents may face delays if they don’t meet recording requirements in another state.
Final Thoughts
While all notaries share the same mission of preventing fraud and ensuring document authenticity, notary laws are not the same in every state. Training, fees, seals, and the use of online notarization vary widely.
The safest step is always to confirm the notary requirements in your state before scheduling an appointment.
Looking for a reliable notary in Your City/State? Contact us today for professional and compliant notarization services.
