Understanding Your Notary Jurisdiction
NEW NOTARY SERIES
If you are a new notary, the many different rules and regulations that may apply to you and your notary commission may seem overwhelming. We all start in that same place. Today, I want to go over a rule that may seem simple, but it's an important part of using your commission. I want to discuss your notary jurisdiction.
Let's just remind ourselves what jurisdiction means:
Jurisdiction refers to the authority or power that a person or entity has to make legal decisions or take actions within a certain geographical area or over a particular subject matter. It determines the scope of influence or control that a court, government agency, or other legal entity has over individuals or activities within its defined boundaries. In the context of notaries, jurisdiction typically refers to the area where a notary is authorized to perform their duties, such as within a specific state or region.
First, our authority isn't confined to most states by county lines. So, for instance, if you're a notary in California, you're good to go anywhere within the State. When we notarize a signature, our certificate usually includes a location like "State of ____, County of _____." This shows where both the signer and the notary were when the signature got notarized, and it also shows our legal right to do our thing in that spot.
Knowing the county where you're wielding your stamp isn't just a formality—it's a crucial piece of the puzzle. You're tasked with notarizing a signature, ensuring it's all legally sound. That little detail at the top or bottom of the notarial certificate, stating "County of ____," isn't just for show. It's signaling where you and the signer were standing when that pen hit the paper.
Why does it matter? Well, that county line isn't just a geographic marker; it's a boundary that defines your authority as a notary. Knowing your county means you're on solid legal ground, ensuring that your notarization carries the weight it's supposed to. If you aren’t sure of what county you are in, you can use this link to help.
Some notary jurisdictions allow you a bit more room to roam. Some states let their notaries work beyond their borders with a bit of extra paperwork. Take Virginia, for example. Their notaries can handle stuff outside Virginia, but only if it's meant for use in Virginia or by the U.S. government.
Kentucky also has a special deal. Residents or non-residents can snag a special commission to notarize things inside or outside the state, but only if those docs are heading for Kentucky's record books.
You can apply for a non-resident notary commission if you live in a state neighboring Illinois but work there. Kansas and Missouri offer this deal to their residents who commute for work.
Remember, our notary powers usually end at our state lines. But hey, if you live in a bordering state that hands out notary comissiones to outsiders, you might be able to double up on your commissions.
As a new notary, I remember feeling isolated, alone, and often confused. If you're feeling that way, please understand that most of us started that way. But you have become a notary in a time when the notary community is more of a support than a hindrance. Find a community, a network, and a mentor to help you through your first year and all the years that follow.
Some of my favorite communities are:
Notary Business Builders ( NBB)
For Central California Notaries- the Central California Notary Network
National Notary Association (NNA)
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I wish you the best of luck and success in your Notary Journey
Jennifer K. Cooper, JKC Mobile Notary
