A valid remote notarization, interstate recognition, recordability, and clerk or court acceptance are related but separate questions. Use this guide and 50-state checker before you file or record.
Published and reviewed by iRemoteNotary
Last reviewed September 10, 2026
Possibly. Whether a remotely notarized document can be used involves more than one question. The notarization first must be lawfully performed under the law governing the commissioned online notary. If that notary is commissioned in another state, the destination state's interstate-recognition framework must also be considered.
Separately, the court, clerk, recorder, or government agency may impose its own filing, document-format, electronic-record, witness, certificate, or original-document requirements. A valid remote notarization therefore does not automatically guarantee that a particular document is recordable, electronically fileable, or acceptable for every purpose.
Use the 50-state checker below to review the destination state's official recognition authority and locate recording or court resources before you submit. This guide is educational and is not legal advice.
Commission state, destination state, signer location, recognition, and recipient filing rules are separate layers—not one yes-or-no answer.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Commission vs destination | The notary's commissioning state and the destination state where the document will be used or filed are different concepts. |
| Signer location is separate | Where the signer physically appears for the remote session is a third concept from commission state and destination state. |
| Out-of-state is not auto-invalid | A notarization is not automatically invalid merely because the notary's commission is from another state; applicable recognition law controls. |
| Many states have recognition statutes | Many states have express statutes giving qualifying out-of-state notarial acts the same effect as local acts under stated conditions. |
| Recognition ≠ recordability | Statutory recognition of a notarial act does not guarantee that a county recorder will accept a particular document format for recording. |
| Court procedure is independent | Court filing rules, local practice, and admissibility questions are independent of whether a remote notarial act was lawfully performed. |
| RON ≠ eRecording | Remote online notarization and electronic recording (eRecording) are different processes; one does not automatically authorize the other. |
| Confirm the recipient first | Confirm clerk, court, recorder, or agency requirements before execution whenever the document will be filed or recorded. |
People often ask a single question—“Will the county clerk or court accept this remotely notarized document?”—when they actually need four answers. Was the remote notarization lawfully performed under the law governing the online notary's commission? Does the destination state recognize qualifying notarial acts performed in another state? Is this particular instrument recordable or fileable in the format you plan to submit? And will the specific receiving office accept that package for your purpose?
A valid notarization, interstate recognition, recordability or filing eligibility, and recipient acceptance are related—but they are not the same question. Mixing them is how valid remote sessions still end in rejected filings, returned recordings, or last-minute wet-ink requirements.
This guide explains those distinctions for U.S.-based remote online notarization, shows how to use the destination-state checker, and points you to official recorder and court resources before you schedule a session. For how a remote session works in general, see what remote online notarization is.
Select the destination state where the document will be used, filed, or recorded, then review that state's interstate-recognition summary and official recorder, court, or agency resources. The checker is an educational navigation aid—not a prediction that any office will accept your particular document.
Review destination-state recognition authority and receiving-office resources. This tool does not predict whether a particular clerk, court, or agency will accept your document.
Choose the state where the document will be filed, recorded, or submitted—not simply where the signer is located.
Select the kind of office that will receive the completed document.
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Check the destination state's recognition information and confirm the receiving office's filing requirements before starting your online notary session.
Remote online notarization (RON) generally means a commissioned online notary performs a notarial act while the signer personally appears through approved live audio-video technology rather than sitting in the same physical room. Identity verification, the notarial certificate, the electronic seal or signature, and any required session recording or journal entry follow the law of the notary's commissioning state.
In everyday language, people also say “online notarization,” “remote notarization,” or “video notarization.” Those labels are not always interchangeable in statutes or office instructions. Some recipients distinguish remote ink-signed notarization from fully electronic RON; others focus only on whether the notary was commissioned in a particular state; still others care mainly about paper originals, wet ink, or eRecording channel rules.
Federal electronic-signature and electronic-record frameworks such as the E-SIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, support the legal effect of many electronic signatures and records in covered transactions. They do not rewrite state notary law, and they do not force every clerk, recorder, or court to accept every remotely notarized filing. National industry and model-law materials—including NASS remote electronic notarization resources and the Uniform Law Commission's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA)—help explain how states have modernized notarial practice, but enacted state statutes and local office rules control concrete outcomes.
For document-type eligibility questions that are separate from clerk or court filing, see documents that can be notarized online.
Three locations commonly collide in one sentence, and none of them automatically answers the others.
First is the notary's commissioning state: the state whose law authorizes that online notary to perform the remote act and whose certificate, seal, and procedure rules govern the notarization itself. Remote online notarization is performed under the law of the online notary's commissioning state.
Second is the signer's physical location during the session: the place where the principal actually appears by audio-video for identity verification and signing. A signer may be in another U.S. state or abroad while working with a commissioned U.S. online notary, subject to applicable RON law and platform requirements.
Third is the destination or document state: the state connected to the property, court matter, agency filing, or receiving office that will rely on the finished instrument. That is often where recognition statutes, recording standards, and court procedures matter most.
Illustration only—not an acceptance ruling: imagine a signer physically located in Arizona, a U.S. online notary commissioned in Florida and physically in Florida during the session, and a deed or related instrument concerning real property in Texas that will be presented to a Texas recording office. In that hypothetical, Florida law may govern how the remote notarial act is performed; Texas recognition and recording frameworks may matter for whether the completed act can be given effect and recorded in Texas; Arizona is simply where the signer sat during the video appearance. Changing any one of those facts can change which questions you must ask next.
For related booking questions—whether an out-of-state-connected document may be notarized online at all—see out-of-state document online notarization and online notary rules by state before booking.
Treat these as sequential filters. Passing one does not answer the next.
| Question | What it asks | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lawful performance | Was the remote notarial act properly completed under the law governing the commissioned online notary? | If the session, identity proofing, certificate, or seal does not meet commissioning-state requirements, later recognition and filing questions usually do not save the package. |
| 2. Interstate recognition | Does the destination state give qualifying out-of-state notarial acts the same effect as local acts under its statutes? | Recognition frameworks explain legal effect across state lines; they do not by themselves prove a clerk will record your PDF or accept your printout. |
| 3. Recordability / filing eligibility | Does recording, eFiling, or court-filing law allow this document type and format to be submitted as planned? | Margins, legal descriptions, witness blocks, electronic originals, tangible copies, and channel rules can block filing even when the notarial act is recognized. |
| 4. Recipient acceptance | Will this specific clerk, recorder, court, or government agency accept the completed package? | Local office practice and recipient policy often decide the practical outcome after the legal layers above are satisfied. |
A valid notarization, interstate recognition, recordability or filing eligibility, and recipient acceptance are related—but they are not the same question.
Most states address interstate notarial recognition in statute. Common patterns include “same effect” language for qualifying notarial acts performed in another U.S. state by a notary public or other authorized officer of that place; Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act-style provisions focused on acknowledgments for use in the destination state; and RULONA-influenced enactments that treat a qualifying out-of-state notarial act as having the same effect under destination-state law as if performed by a local notarial officer.
Those statutes typically ask whether the act was performed by someone authorized under the law of the place of performance, and they often treat the officer's signature and title as prima facie evidence of authenticity and authority. Some also address certificates made in another jurisdiction if they comply with the law where made. Exact wording varies, and some states use document-category or recording-focused language rather than a single general notarial-recognition section.
Recognition language is usually about legal effect of the notarial act—not about guaranteeing that every destination office will accept every electronic format, printed package, or filing channel. Always read the destination state's own statute or official notary authority materials rather than assuming every state copied the same model text. The interactive checker and 50-state overview later on this page summarize educational recognition frameworks and point to official sources for each state.
No. Own-state RON authorization and interstate recognition are different questions—call them A and B.
Question A asks whether the destination state authorizes its own notaries to perform remote online notarization. Question B asks whether that state recognizes qualifying notarial acts performed in another U.S. state. A ≠ B. Do not infer B from A, and do not infer A from B.
A destination state may have robust interstate recognition of out-of-state notarial acts without an express RON program for its own officers. Another state may authorize its own RON while still imposing separate recording, electronic-record, or court-filing conditions on documents presented there. Some official SOS or notary-regulator guidance expressly addresses whether a remote notarization performed in another state may be recognized—Oregon and Wisconsin are examples—while other states rely mainly on general interstate-recognition statutes that do not separately discuss remote appearance. In every case, recognition remains distinct from whether a particular clerk, court, or agency will accept the filing package.
When people ask “Does my state allow remote notarization?” they often mean Question A. When they ask “Will my state accept a document notarized online by a notary commissioned elsewhere?” they are closer to Question B plus recipient acceptance. Both matter, but they answer different planning needs.
Sometimes—when the notarial act is recognized under destination-state law and the recording package meets that office's document, format, and submission rules. Recognition alone is not a recording ticket.
County recording offices evaluate instruments against local and statewide recording standards: correct legal description, required witnesses or proofs, notarial certificate form, margins and page size, names and capacities, return instructions, fees, and whether the office will take electronic originals, electronically submitted images, or paper. An office may accept remote notarization for some document types and still require wet-ink originals, special certificates, or an approved eRecording submitter for others.
eRecording capability also does not equal automatic RON acceptance. An office may participate in electronic recording while still rejecting a particular remotely notarized instrument for formatting, certificate, or original-document reasons. Conversely, a paper recording channel does not automatically reject every electronically notarized instrument that has been lawfully papered out under applicable rules—but that is a recipient- and statute-specific question, not a national default.
Before scheduling, ask the closing professionals or recording office which channel and format they will accept for your instrument. Use the checker above to locate statewide recording directories or official guidance where available, then confirm with the specific county office that will receive the filing.
Possibly, depending on the court, the document type, the filing method, and local rules. A lawfully performed remote notarization does not by itself guarantee that a court clerk will accept a filing, that a judge will admit a document for a particular purpose, or that an affidavit package meets case-specific requirements.
Courts may distinguish among notarial validity, eFiling technical rules, local administrative practice, evidentiary questions, and substantive sufficiency of the pleading or affidavit. An electronically notarized affidavit might be acceptable in one division and rejected in another for format, wet-ink, or certificate reasons that have nothing to do with whether remote notarization exists as a concept.
This page's court resources are official starting points for locating judiciary guidance—not predictions of admissibility, case outcomes, or whether a particular pleading should be filed. Confirm with the clerk's office, eFiling help desk, or counsel before relying on remote notarization for litigation or probate filings.
In popular search language, “county clerk” is often used as a catch-all for whoever receives notarized paperwork. In practice, the office that records deeds, the office that accepts court filings, and the office that issues marriage licenses or business certificates may be different entities—or the same entity with different desks and rule sets.
Depending on the state, land records may sit with a recorder of deeds, register of deeds, county clerk, clerk of the circuit court, parish clerk, town clerk, or a specialized bureau of conveyances. Court filings may go to a court clerk, clerk of court, or electronic filing portal operated under judiciary rules. Agency forms may go to a secretary of state, motor-vehicle agency, or other department with its own acceptance policy.
That is why this guide and checker separate recorder guidance, court guidance, and other agency guidance. Asking “Will the county clerk accept RON?” is incomplete until you identify which office, which document, and which submission method you mean.
These terms are frequently blended in conversation and search queries. Keep them separate when you talk to a clerk or recorder.
| Concept | What it is | What it is not |
|---|---|---|
| Remote online notarization (RON) | A notarial act performed by a commissioned online notary with remote personal appearance through approved technology. | Not the same as merely applying an electronic signature without a notarial act, and not the same as eRecording. |
| Electronic signature | An electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with intent to sign. | Not automatically a notarization; signing electronically does not by itself create a notarial certificate or seal. |
| Electronic document / electronic record | A record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means. | Not a guarantee that a particular office will accept that record for filing or recording. |
| eRecording | An electronic channel for submitting instruments to a recording office through approved submitters or portals. | Not proof that remotely notarized documents are accepted, and not a substitute for notarial recognition analysis. |
E-SIGN and related electronic-transaction frameworks can support legal effect of electronic signatures and records in many contexts, but they do not compel every clerk or recorder to accept every remotely notarized package.
Remote online notarization typically produces an electronic original: an electronically signed and electronically notarized record with the notary's electronic seal or signature and related integrity features. Some recipients can work directly with that electronic file. Others ask for a printed copy, a certified papering-out process, a wet-ink counterpart, or submission only through an approved eRecording vendor.
Whether a printout of an electronically notarized document is acceptable depends on destination-state law, any tangible-copy or papering-out rules, and the receiving office's instructions. Do not assume that printing a PDF automatically creates a recording-ready original, and do not assume that every office rejects printouts. Ask which version—electronic original, printed copy, or both—the office will take, and whether any certification of the paper copy is required.
If an office later rejects the format, follow a structured remediation path rather than casually altering a finalized digitally signed file. See what to do when an online-notarized document is rejected.
Deeds, mortgages, and other real-estate instruments raise the same four questions—plus recording-office formatting and title or closing instructions. This page does not replace a deed or closing guide, and it does not deep-dive lender or investor acceptance policies.
For deed-focused execution and recording preparation, see property deed transfer online notarization. For broader closing workflow context, see online notarization for real estate closings. For private lender and title-company RON approval, use the dedicated mortgage and title acceptance guide—not this national recognition overview.
Before you book, have clear answers to:
Ask in writing when you can, name the document type, identify the commissioning state of the online notary, and specify the submission format. A useful script is:
"Will your office accept my [DOCUMENT TYPE] if the notarial act is performed remotely by a notary commissioned in [NOTARY STATE] under that state's law, and I submit the completed document as [ELECTRONIC / PAPER / eRECORDING]? Are there any witness, original-document, certificate, or filing-format requirements I should follow?"
Also confirm any required notarial act (acknowledgment versus jurat), witness count, legal description or exhibit attachments, fee payment method, and whether the office needs a cover sheet or eRecording submitter. Save the written response with your transaction file.
Rejection is frustrating, but it is also diagnostic. Ask the office for the specific reason: certificate wording, remote appearance, commissioning state, electronic format, missing witnesses, margins, legal description, or another defect. Do not alter a finalized digitally signed or notarized PDF outside an approved workflow merely to force acceptance.
Depending on the stated reason, remediation may involve a new remote session with corrected certificate language, a different submission channel, a tangible-copy process the office recognizes, wet-ink re-execution, or counsel review of whether the instrument itself needs revision. iRemoteNotary can help discuss process options for eligible re-notarization requests; the receiving office and your advisor decide what that office will take.
For a structured post-rejection workflow, see the rejected online-notarized document guide.
The overview below summarizes each state's educational recognition framework and points toward official authority. It is not a yes/no acceptance table. Use “View details” to open the interactive checker for that destination state.
| State | Recognition framework | Interstate / RON note | Primary official authority | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Document- or office-specific limits | Alabama primarily recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments under §35-4-26 while separately regulating Alabama notaries’ remote audio-video practices under §36-20-73.1; Act 2026-536 amendments are future-effective October 1, 2026. | Alabama Legislature / Code of Alabama — Ala. Code §35-4-26 — Acknowledgment; officers authorized to take outside Alabama; validity; certification | View Alabama details |
| Alaska | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Alaska generally recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under AS §09.63.050 without express RON-specific interstate language. | Alaska Statutes / Lt. Governor notary statutes page — AS §09.63.050 Recognition of notarial acts performed outside the state | View Alaska details |
| Arizona | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Arizona gives out-of-state notarial acts same effect under A.R.S. §41-259 without express RON-only interstate language. | Arizona Legislature — A.R.S. §41-259 Notarial act in another state | View Arizona details |
| Arkansas | Document- or office-specific limits | Arkansas recognizes compliant out-of-state acknowledgments under §16-47-210 while separately authorizing its own online notaries. | Arkansas General Assembly / Arkansas State Legislature — Arkansas State Legislature — Arkansas Law (official Arkansas Code access) | View Arkansas details |
| California | Document- or office-specific limits | California recognizes out-of-state instrument acknowledgments under Civil Code §1182 without express RON interstate language, while its own RON framework remains phased. | California Legislature (leginfo) — Cal. Civ. Code §1182 | View California details |
| Colorado | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Colorado recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under C.R.S. §24-21-511 without express RON interstate wording. | Colorado Revised Statutes — C.R.S. §24-21-511 Notarial act in another state | View Colorado details |
| Connecticut | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Connecticut recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under C.G.S. §1-57 (URAA), with land records handled by town clerks. | Connecticut General Assembly — Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-57 (Chapter 8 URAA) | View Connecticut details |
| Delaware | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Delaware recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under 29 Del. C. §4324 without express RON interstate wording. | Delaware Code Online — 29 Del. C. §4324 Notarial act in another state | View Delaware details |
| Florida | Document- or office-specific limits | Florida’s principal out-of-state acknowledgment recognition for recordable instruments is Fla. Stat. §695.03, alongside a mature own-state online notarization regime in ch. 117. | Online Sunshine / Florida Legislature — Fla. Stat. §695.03 Acknowledgment and proof; validation of certain acknowledgments | View Florida details |
| Georgia | Document- or office-specific limits | Georgia’s key out-of-state recognition for recordable deeds is O.C.G.A. §44-2-21, a recording/attestation statute rather than express RON interstate language. | Georgia Code — O.C.G.A. §44-2-21 Recording instrument executed out of state | View Georgia details |
| Hawaii | Document- or office-specific limits | Hawaii recognizes compliant out-of-state acknowledgments for recording/evidence under HRS §502-45 without express RON interstate language. | Hawaii Legislature (HRS) — HRS §502-45 Acknowledgments without the State | View Hawaii details |
| Idaho | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Idaho recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Idaho Code §51-111 without express RON interstate wording. | Idaho State Legislature — Idaho Code §51-111 Notarial act in another state | View Idaho details |
| Illinois | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Illinois recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 765 ILCS 30/2 without express RON interstate wording. | Illinois General Assembly — 765 ILCS 30/2 Recognition of notarial acts performed outside this State | View Illinois details |
| Indiana | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Indiana recognizes out-of-state notarial acts as presumed valid with same effect under IC §33-42-9-8 without express RON interstate wording. | Indiana Code — Ind. Code §33-42-9-8 Notarial acts in another state | View Indiana details |
| Iowa | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Iowa has a RULONA-style same-effect statute in §9B.11, but subsection 4’s §9B.6 personal-appearance cross-reference requires careful remote-act analysis. | Iowa Legislature — Iowa Code §9B.11 Notarial act in another state | View Iowa details |
| Kansas | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Kansas recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under K.S.A. 53-5a11 without express RON interstate wording. | Kansas Revisor of Statutes — K.S.A. 53-5a11 Notarial act in another state | View Kansas details |
| Kentucky | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Kentucky recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under KRS 423.345 without express RON interstate wording. | Kentucky Legislature — KRS 423.345 Effect of notarial act performed in another state | View Kentucky details |
| Louisiana | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Louisiana gives out-of-state notaries’ oaths/acts/acknowledgments same force and effect under R.S. 35:5 without express RON interstate wording. | Louisiana Revised Statutes — La. R.S. 35:5 Foreign notaries; oaths, acts, and acknowledgments; effect | View Louisiana details |
| Maine | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Maine recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under 4 M.R.S. §1911 without express RON interstate wording. | Maine Legislature — 4 M.R.S. §1911 Notarial act in another state | View Maine details |
| Maryland | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Maryland recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under SG §18-210 without express RON interstate wording. | Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, State Gov’t §18-210 | View Maryland details |
| Massachusetts | Document- or office-specific limits | Massachusetts recognizes out-of-state deed acknowledgments under G.L. c.183 §30 (with possible §33 certificate-of-authority requirements); Land Court registered-land RON guidance remains pending Secretary regulations as of July 31, 2026. | Massachusetts Legislature — Mass. Gen. Laws c.183 §30 Method of making acknowledgment | View Massachusetts details |
| Michigan | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Michigan recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under MCL 55.285a without express RON interstate wording. | Michigan Legislature — MCL 55.285a Notarial acts performed in another state | View Michigan details |
| Minnesota | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Minnesota recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Minn. Stat. §358.61 without express RON interstate wording. | Minnesota Revisor of Statutes — Minn. Stat. §358.61 Notarial act in another state | View Minnesota details |
| Mississippi | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Mississippi recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Miss. Code §25-34-23 even while its own permanent RON authorization remains limited/unresolved. | Mississippi Code / Justia official reprint — Miss. Code §25-34-23 Effect of notarial act performed in another state | View Mississippi details |
| Missouri | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Missouri recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under RSMo §486.775 without express RON interstate wording. | Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo §486.775 Reciprocity / notarial act in another jurisdiction | View Missouri details |
| Montana | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Montana gives general same-effect recognition to out-of-state notarial acts under MCA § 1-5-605, without express remote-interstate language. | Montana Legislature / Montana Code Annotated — MCA § 1-5-605 Notarial act in another state | View Montana details |
| Nebraska | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Nebraska recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 64-201's same-effect framework. | Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 64-201 Notarial acts; performed; effect | View Nebraska details |
| Nevada | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Nevada gives general same-effect recognition to notarial acts from other U.S. jurisdictions under NRS 240.164. | Nevada Legislature — NRS 240.164 Notarial acts in other jurisdictions of United States | View Nevada details |
| New Hampshire | General out-of-state notarial recognition | New Hampshire recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under RSA 456-B:4's general same-effect rule. | New Hampshire General Court — RSA 456-B:4 Notarial Acts in Other Jurisdictions of the United States | View New Hampshire details |
| New Jersey | General out-of-state notarial recognition | New Jersey gives general same-effect recognition to out-of-state notarial acts under N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.14. | New Jersey Legislature — P.L.2021, c.179 §23 (C.52:7-10.14) Notarial Acts Outside this State | View New Jersey details |
| New Mexico | General out-of-state notarial recognition | New Mexico recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under NMSA § 14-14A-10's RULONA same-effect standard. | New Mexico Legislature (SB246 / Laws 2021, ch. 21 as amended) — NMSA 1978 § 14-14A-10 Notarial act in another state | View New Mexico details |
| New York | Document- or office-specific limits | New York recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments mainly through Real Property Law §§ 299/299-a and related court rules, not a blanket RULONA same-effect statute. | New York State Senate Open Legislation — N.Y. Real Property Law § 299 | View New York details |
| North Carolina | General out-of-state notarial recognition | North Carolina recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under G.S. 10B-20(f) and treats out-of-jurisdiction certificates as sufficient under G.S. 10B-40(e). | North Carolina General Assembly — G.S. 10B-20 Powers and limitations (incl. (f)) | View North Carolina details |
| North Dakota | General out-of-state notarial recognition | North Dakota recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under N.D.C.C. § 44-06.1-10's RULONA same-effect standard. | North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. Chapter 44-06.1 (incl. § 44-06.1-10) | View North Dakota details |
| Ohio | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Ohio recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under ORC § 147.51(B). | Ohio Legislative Service Commission / Ohio Laws — ORC § 147.51 Notarial acts | View Ohio details |
| Oklahoma | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Oklahoma recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 49 O.S. § 115's same-effect rule. | Oklahoma Supreme Court Network (official statutes) — 49 O.S. § 115 Effect of Notarial Act Performed in Another State | View Oklahoma details |
| Oregon | Express remote-notarization interstate language | Oregon combines ORS 194.260 same-effect recognition with express SOS guidance that properly performed out-of-state RON may be valid in Oregon. | Oregon Legislature — ORS 194.260 Notarial act in another state | View Oregon details |
| Pennsylvania | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Pennsylvania recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 57 Pa.C.S. § 311. | Pennsylvania General Assembly — 57 Pa.C.S. § 311 Notarial act in another state | View Pennsylvania details |
| Rhode Island | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Rhode Island recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10. | Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10 (enacted in 2018 Public Law 104) | View Rhode Island details |
| South Carolina | General out-of-state notarial recognition | South Carolina recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under S.C. Code § 26-3-20. | South Carolina Legislature — S.C. Code § 26-3-20 Notarial acts; performed outside of State | View South Carolina details |
| South Dakota | Document- or office-specific limits | South Dakota recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments mainly under SDCL §§ 18-5-3 and 18-5-15, without express remote-interstate language. | South Dakota Legislature — SDCL Chapter 18-5 (Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments) | View South Dakota details |
| Tennessee | Document- or office-specific limits | Tennessee recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments under T.C.A. § 66-22-103, without express remote-interstate language. | Tennessee Code (Justia reprint of official code) — T.C.A. § 66-22-103 Acknowledgment in other states or territories | View Tennessee details |
| Texas | Document- or office-specific limits | Texas authorizes out-of-state acknowledgments/proofs under Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.001(b), without express remote-interstate language. | Texas Legislature — Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Chapter 121 | View Texas details |
| Utah | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Utah recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under Utah Code § 57-2a-3. | Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 57-2a-3 Persons authorized to perform notarial acts | View Utah details |
| Vermont | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Vermont recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 26 V.S.A. § 5374. | Vermont General Assembly — 26 V.S.A. § 5374 Notarial act in another state | View Vermont details |
| Virginia | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Virginia recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 (and § 55.1-616), including electronic-document coverage. | Virginia General Assembly / LIS — Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 Notarial powers outside the Commonwealth for use in the Commonwealth | View Virginia details |
| Washington | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Washington recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under RCW 42.45.090. | Washington Legislature — RCW 42.45.090 Notarial act in another state—Effect in this state | View Washington details |
| West Virginia | General out-of-state notarial recognition | West Virginia recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under W. Va. Code § 39-4-11. | West Virginia Legislature — W. Va. Code § 39-4-11 Notarial act in another state | View West Virginia details |
| Wisconsin | Express remote-notarization interstate language | Wisconsin combines Wis. Stat. § 140.11 same-effect recognition with express DFI guidance authorizing use of out-of-state remote online notaries. | Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 140.11 Notarial act in another state | View Wisconsin details |
| Wyoming | General out-of-state notarial recognition | Wyoming recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under W.S. 32-3-106. | Wyoming Secretary of State / Legislature (RULONA PDF) — W.S. 32-3-106 Notarial acts in another state | View Wyoming details |
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Alabama primarily recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments under §35-4-26 while separately regulating Alabama notaries’ remote audio-video practices under §36-20-73.1; Act 2026-536 amendments are future-effective October 1, 2026.
Primary official authority: Alabama Legislature / Code of Alabama — Ala. Code §35-4-26 — Acknowledgment; officers authorized to take outside Alabama; validity; certification
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Alaska generally recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under AS §09.63.050 without express RON-specific interstate language.
Primary official authority: Alaska Statutes / Lt. Governor notary statutes page — AS §09.63.050 Recognition of notarial acts performed outside the state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Arizona gives out-of-state notarial acts same effect under A.R.S. §41-259 without express RON-only interstate language.
Primary official authority: Arizona Legislature — A.R.S. §41-259 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Arkansas recognizes compliant out-of-state acknowledgments under §16-47-210 while separately authorizing its own online notaries.
Primary official authority: Arkansas General Assembly / Arkansas State Legislature — Arkansas State Legislature — Arkansas Law (official Arkansas Code access)
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
California recognizes out-of-state instrument acknowledgments under Civil Code §1182 without express RON interstate language, while its own RON framework remains phased.
Primary official authority: California Legislature (leginfo) — Cal. Civ. Code §1182
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Colorado recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under C.R.S. §24-21-511 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Colorado Revised Statutes — C.R.S. §24-21-511 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Connecticut recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under C.G.S. §1-57 (URAA), with land records handled by town clerks.
Primary official authority: Connecticut General Assembly — Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-57 (Chapter 8 URAA)
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Delaware recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under 29 Del. C. §4324 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Delaware Code Online — 29 Del. C. §4324 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Florida’s principal out-of-state acknowledgment recognition for recordable instruments is Fla. Stat. §695.03, alongside a mature own-state online notarization regime in ch. 117.
Primary official authority: Online Sunshine / Florida Legislature — Fla. Stat. §695.03 Acknowledgment and proof; validation of certain acknowledgments
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Georgia’s key out-of-state recognition for recordable deeds is O.C.G.A. §44-2-21, a recording/attestation statute rather than express RON interstate language.
Primary official authority: Georgia Code — O.C.G.A. §44-2-21 Recording instrument executed out of state
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Hawaii recognizes compliant out-of-state acknowledgments for recording/evidence under HRS §502-45 without express RON interstate language.
Primary official authority: Hawaii Legislature (HRS) — HRS §502-45 Acknowledgments without the State
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Idaho recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Idaho Code §51-111 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Idaho State Legislature — Idaho Code §51-111 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Illinois recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 765 ILCS 30/2 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Illinois General Assembly — 765 ILCS 30/2 Recognition of notarial acts performed outside this State
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Indiana recognizes out-of-state notarial acts as presumed valid with same effect under IC §33-42-9-8 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Indiana Code — Ind. Code §33-42-9-8 Notarial acts in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Iowa has a RULONA-style same-effect statute in §9B.11, but subsection 4’s §9B.6 personal-appearance cross-reference requires careful remote-act analysis.
Primary official authority: Iowa Legislature — Iowa Code §9B.11 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Kansas recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under K.S.A. 53-5a11 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Kansas Revisor of Statutes — K.S.A. 53-5a11 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Kentucky recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under KRS 423.345 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Kentucky Legislature — KRS 423.345 Effect of notarial act performed in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Louisiana gives out-of-state notaries’ oaths/acts/acknowledgments same force and effect under R.S. 35:5 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Louisiana Revised Statutes — La. R.S. 35:5 Foreign notaries; oaths, acts, and acknowledgments; effect
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Maine recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under 4 M.R.S. §1911 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Maine Legislature — 4 M.R.S. §1911 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Maryland recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under SG §18-210 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Maryland General Assembly — Md. Code, State Gov’t §18-210
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Massachusetts recognizes out-of-state deed acknowledgments under G.L. c.183 §30 (with possible §33 certificate-of-authority requirements); Land Court registered-land RON guidance remains pending Secretary regulations as of July 31, 2026.
Primary official authority: Massachusetts Legislature — Mass. Gen. Laws c.183 §30 Method of making acknowledgment
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Michigan recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under MCL 55.285a without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Michigan Legislature — MCL 55.285a Notarial acts performed in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Minnesota recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Minn. Stat. §358.61 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes — Minn. Stat. §358.61 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Mississippi recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under Miss. Code §25-34-23 even while its own permanent RON authorization remains limited/unresolved.
Primary official authority: Mississippi Code / Justia official reprint — Miss. Code §25-34-23 Effect of notarial act performed in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Missouri recognizes out-of-state notarial acts with same effect under RSMo §486.775 without express RON interstate wording.
Primary official authority: Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo §486.775 Reciprocity / notarial act in another jurisdiction
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Montana gives general same-effect recognition to out-of-state notarial acts under MCA § 1-5-605, without express remote-interstate language.
Primary official authority: Montana Legislature / Montana Code Annotated — MCA § 1-5-605 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Nebraska recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 64-201's same-effect framework.
Primary official authority: Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 64-201 Notarial acts; performed; effect
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Nevada gives general same-effect recognition to notarial acts from other U.S. jurisdictions under NRS 240.164.
Primary official authority: Nevada Legislature — NRS 240.164 Notarial acts in other jurisdictions of United States
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
New Hampshire recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under RSA 456-B:4's general same-effect rule.
Primary official authority: New Hampshire General Court — RSA 456-B:4 Notarial Acts in Other Jurisdictions of the United States
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
New Jersey gives general same-effect recognition to out-of-state notarial acts under N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.14.
Primary official authority: New Jersey Legislature — P.L.2021, c.179 §23 (C.52:7-10.14) Notarial Acts Outside this State
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
New Mexico recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under NMSA § 14-14A-10's RULONA same-effect standard.
Primary official authority: New Mexico Legislature (SB246 / Laws 2021, ch. 21 as amended) — NMSA 1978 § 14-14A-10 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
New York recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments mainly through Real Property Law §§ 299/299-a and related court rules, not a blanket RULONA same-effect statute.
Primary official authority: New York State Senate Open Legislation — N.Y. Real Property Law § 299
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
North Carolina recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under G.S. 10B-20(f) and treats out-of-jurisdiction certificates as sufficient under G.S. 10B-40(e).
Primary official authority: North Carolina General Assembly — G.S. 10B-20 Powers and limitations (incl. (f))
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
North Dakota recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under N.D.C.C. § 44-06.1-10's RULONA same-effect standard.
Primary official authority: North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D.C.C. Chapter 44-06.1 (incl. § 44-06.1-10)
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Ohio recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under ORC § 147.51(B).
Primary official authority: Ohio Legislative Service Commission / Ohio Laws — ORC § 147.51 Notarial acts
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Oklahoma recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 49 O.S. § 115's same-effect rule.
Primary official authority: Oklahoma Supreme Court Network (official statutes) — 49 O.S. § 115 Effect of Notarial Act Performed in Another State
Recognition framework: Express remote-notarization interstate language
Oregon combines ORS 194.260 same-effect recognition with express SOS guidance that properly performed out-of-state RON may be valid in Oregon.
Primary official authority: Oregon Legislature — ORS 194.260 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Pennsylvania recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 57 Pa.C.S. § 311.
Primary official authority: Pennsylvania General Assembly — 57 Pa.C.S. § 311 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Rhode Island recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10.
Primary official authority: Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-30.1-10 (enacted in 2018 Public Law 104)
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
South Carolina recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under S.C. Code § 26-3-20.
Primary official authority: South Carolina Legislature — S.C. Code § 26-3-20 Notarial acts; performed outside of State
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
South Dakota recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments mainly under SDCL §§ 18-5-3 and 18-5-15, without express remote-interstate language.
Primary official authority: South Dakota Legislature — SDCL Chapter 18-5 (Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments)
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Tennessee recognizes out-of-state acknowledgments under T.C.A. § 66-22-103, without express remote-interstate language.
Primary official authority: Tennessee Code (Justia reprint of official code) — T.C.A. § 66-22-103 Acknowledgment in other states or territories
Recognition framework: Document- or office-specific limits
Texas authorizes out-of-state acknowledgments/proofs under Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.001(b), without express remote-interstate language.
Primary official authority: Texas Legislature — Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Chapter 121
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Utah recognizes out-of-state notarial acts for in-state use under Utah Code § 57-2a-3.
Primary official authority: Utah Legislature — Utah Code § 57-2a-3 Persons authorized to perform notarial acts
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Vermont recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under 26 V.S.A. § 5374.
Primary official authority: Vermont General Assembly — 26 V.S.A. § 5374 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Virginia recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 (and § 55.1-616), including electronic-document coverage.
Primary official authority: Virginia General Assembly / LIS — Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 Notarial powers outside the Commonwealth for use in the Commonwealth
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Washington recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under RCW 42.45.090.
Primary official authority: Washington Legislature — RCW 42.45.090 Notarial act in another state—Effect in this state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
West Virginia recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under W. Va. Code § 39-4-11.
Primary official authority: West Virginia Legislature — W. Va. Code § 39-4-11 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: Express remote-notarization interstate language
Wisconsin combines Wis. Stat. § 140.11 same-effect recognition with express DFI guidance authorizing use of out-of-state remote online notaries.
Primary official authority: Wisconsin Legislature — Wis. Stat. § 140.11 Notarial act in another state
Recognition framework: General out-of-state notarial recognition
Wyoming recognizes out-of-state notarial acts under W.S. 32-3-106.
Primary official authority: Wyoming Secretary of State / Legislature (RULONA PDF) — W.S. 32-3-106 Notarial acts in another state
Confirm each item in writing when possible:
Use this checklist before you schedule a remote session for a document that will be filed or recorded in a destination state.
iRemoteNotary provides U.S.-based remote online notarization for eligible documents. Sessions are performed under the law governing the commissioned online notary. When a document will be used, filed, or recorded in another state, we encourage signers to use this recognition checker and to confirm the receiving office's current requirements before the session whenever possible.
We do not guarantee that any particular clerk, recorder, court, or agency will accept a completed document. Recipient confirmation remains the practical control point for filing and recording outcomes.
iRemoteNotary reviews state statutes, official notary authorities, state judiciary resources, and official recording or government directories when preparing the state summaries in this checker. Interstate-recognition statutes describe legal recognition of notarial acts; they do not necessarily describe every filing, recording, or court-office practice. Each state result therefore includes an individual review date and directs users to the applicable official recipient resources.
Statewide research does not track every local office practice. Laws and procedures can change. Recipient confirmation remains necessary. The information on this page is educational and is not legal advice.
Possibly, depending on the destination state's recognition law and that office's filing, format, and original-document rules. “County clerk” also means different offices in different states. Confirm with the specific receiving office before notarization whenever possible.
Possibly. Recognition of a notarial act does not by itself determine whether a document satisfies procedural, substantive, evidentiary, original-document, or electronic-filing requirements for a court matter. Confirm with the clerk's office or counsel for the specific filing.
Not necessarily. Many destination states recognize qualifying notarial acts performed in another U.S. state. The notary must still act under the law of the commissioning state, and the receiving office may impose separate format or submission rules.
Often yes under a destination state's interstate-recognition statute, when the act was lawfully performed by an authorized officer of the place of performance. Recognition of the notarial act is not the same as guaranteeing that a particular office will accept the filing package.
Yes, in principle. Own-state RON authorization and interstate recognition are different questions. Do not infer one from the other.
Yes. A recorder may reject for formatting, witness, certificate, legal-description, electronic-original, printout, or channel reasons even when the notarial act is recognized under state law.
Notarial validity asks whether the act was lawfully performed under the commissioning state's law. Interstate recognition asks whether the destination state gives that act legal effect. Recipient acceptance asks whether the specific clerk, recorder, court, or agency will take the completed package for your purpose.
No. eRecording is a submission channel. RON is a method of performing a notarial act. An office may support eRecording and still reject a particular remotely notarized instrument for other reasons.
Not always. In some states the county clerk records land documents; in others a recorder, register of deeds, parish clerk, or town clerk holds land records, while court filings go to a separate clerk of court. Identify the actual receiving office.
Sometimes, but not automatically. Ask whether the office requires the electronic original, a certified tangible copy, an ordinary printout, or a wet-ink original. Do not assume a printout is always acceptable.
Ask for the specific rejection reason, then remediate through the correct channel—new session, different format, tangible-copy process, or counsel review. See the rejected online-notarized document guide for a structured workflow.
Usually no for ordinary interstate U.S. use. Apostille and authentication issues arise mainly for international presentation. A domestic recipient may still require its own certification form; that is separate from an apostille.
The following primary sources support the legal and procedural information in this guide. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the receiving organization before relying on a notarized document.
15 U.S.C. § 7001 — General rule of validity(opens in a new tab)
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Accessed September 10, 2026
Remote Electronic Notarization(opens in a new tab)
National Association of Secretaries of State
Accessed September 10, 2026
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) — Uniform Law Commission(opens in a new tab)
Uniform Law Commission
Accessed September 10, 2026
Check destination-state recognition and confirm the receiving office before you begin.