Can a Notary perform notarizations in a state where they are not commissioned?

A Notary must be commissioned in the state where they are performing notarizations to ensure that they are operating within the legal framework established by that state. Each state has its own laws and regulations governing the practice of notarization, including how Notaries are appointed, the procedures they must follow, and the responsibilities they hold.

Being commissioned means that the Notary has been officially authorized by the state, which typically requires them to meet specific eligibility criteria, complete an application process, and sometimes undergo training or testing. Since notarization is tied to state law, a Notary who is not commissioned in a particular state does not have the legal authority to perform notarizations there, regardless of their qualifications or commissions from other states.

Other options suggest possibilities such as performing notarizations with permission or under a temporary license, but these scenarios do not align with the established legal requirements for Notaries. For example, gaining permission from another state is not a standard practice, as notarization responsibilities must adhere strictly to the laws of the state where the act is taking place. Thus, without being properly commissioned in the state, any notarization performed could be considered invalid and could expose the Notary to legal liability.