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National Notary Association
The National Notary Bulletin

What Do I Do With My Notary Tools If I Move Out Of State?

By NNA Staff

NNA Hotline Tip logo

I was a Notary from 2002-2006. I am moving out of state. What can I do with my journal, stamp and embosser? — C.M., Moorpark, California

Journals containing any entries must be submitted to the office of the county clerk where you initially filed your oath of office. California law requires Notaries who allow their commissions to expire without obtaining reappointment within 30 days to file their journals and notarial papers with the county clerk. The law also requires you to destroy your stamp and embosser.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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106 Comments

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Christina

07 Oct 2024

I am in the process of getting my notary in NV, but I am moving to HI next year. Will I be able to transfer?

National Notary Association

07 Oct 2024

Hello. No, Notary commissions are not transferable between states. You will need to apply for a new commission after you move to Hawaii.

Eleanor

05 Sep 2024

I have lived in California for over a year although still have my Michigan drivers license. Do I need to have a California drivers license to become a notary in the state of California?

National Notary ASsociation

06 Sep 2024

Hello. No, not necessarily. An applicant for a commission as a California Notary Public (GC 8201[a][1] and [2]): (a) must be at least 18 years old; and (b) must be a legal resident of California. If you meet these criteria, you may apply for a CA Notary commission. If you have questions or need help with the process, you can contact our Customer Care team for help at services@nationalnotary.org.

Ivonne Benet Rivera

16 Aug 2024

I moved from FL to MA recently. I have yet to use my notary services. Can I use in MA or do I have to start over?

National Notary Association

19 Aug 2024

Hello. If you are no longer a Florida resident, you will need to resign your Florida commission and apply for a new Notary commission in Massachusetts if you wish to perform notarizations in MA.

William J Hetherman

15 Jul 2024

When I move from California to Massachusetts and apply for a commission in that state, do I have to take the Massachusetts written exam as part of my application?

National Notary Association

18 Jul 2024

Hello. Massachusetts does not require an exam for Notary commission applicants.

esvinas@aol.com

16 May 2024

I have been a Florida Notary for years, but I recently moved to Georgia. I would like to obtain my Notary Commission in Georgia. What steps do I need to take?

National Notary Association

22 May 2024

Hello. Please see here for information and instructions: https://www.nationalnotary.org/georgia/how-to-become-georgia-notary

Toni Ippolito

23 Feb 2024

If I move my residence to AZ just past the state line but my place of business where I do all of my notaries is still in CA. Can I keep my CA notary active with my business address? I will be commuting weekly to the office in CA.

National Notary Association

26 Feb 2024

Hello. We're sorry, but if you have moved to another state, you are no longer eligible to hold a CA Notary commission. Only legal residents of California are eligible to hold a California Notary commission.

Dezsanae

16 Jan 2024

I am from Nevada and I moved to California. I would like to keep my NV notary as a sister state and also apply for notary in California so I do not have to resign. Is that possible?

National Notary Association

19 Jan 2024

Hello. Unless you maintain a place of employment at a licensed place of business in Nevada, you would no longer be eligible to hold a NV Notary commission when you move to California. An applicant for appointment as a Nevada Notary Public must (NRS 240.015[1] and [3]): (a) Be at least 18 years old, (b) Be a resident of Nevada or be a resident of a bordering state and maintain or be employed at a licensed place of business in Nevada, (c) Possess his or her civil rights, and (d) Have completed a course of study pursuant to NRS 240.018. To qualify as a resident of Nevada pursuant to NRS 240.015, the applicant must have been “actually, physically and corporeally present in this state with the intent to establish permanent habitation for at least 30 days before the date on which he or she submitted his or her application” and, once appointed as a Notary, “must maintain residency in this state during the term of his or her appointment” (NAC 240.260).

JR

09 Jan 2024

I am a NJ notary. Moving to FL soon. My job is located in NJ. Can I keep my NJ commission since the company I work for is headquartered in NJ?

National Notary Association

19 Jan 2024

Hello. No; only residents of New Jersey or a residents of adjoining states who maintains or have a place of employment or practice in New Jersey are eligible to hold a NJ Notary commission.

Hannah

08 Nov 2023

Hi I am a notary in WA state and will be moving to MN, but will be working from home. What do I need to do with my journal and stamp? From what I read, it seems like I need to reapply in MN, but need to be a resident. Do I need to live there for a certain amount of time before being considered a resident? Or what constitutes being a resident of MN?

National Notary Association

09 Nov 2023

Hello. In Washington, “A notary public whose commission is terminated or expired, either by the notary or the department, shall disable their official stamp by destroying, defacing, damaging, or securing the device against use. The notary shall maintain their notarial journals for ten years as required by RCW 42.45.180 and WAC 308-30-210” (WAC 308-30-270[4]). Minnesota does not specify details on residency qualifications. We suggest contacting the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at 1-877-551-6767 to ask if they have any specific time or other requirements to meet residency requirements before applying for a commission.

Jennifer Schober

07 Nov 2023

Hello, I am a Nevada notary and I’m moving to Texas. What do I need to do to make sure I’m following the law/rules? Thank you!

National Notary Association

08 Nov 2023

"Upon the resignation or death of a current Notary, the Notary — or the executor of the Notary’s estate — must notify the Secretary of State and destroy the official stamp (NRS 240.051[1]). “The stamp must be destroyed immediately” (NV SOS website, “FAQs”).

Veronica Greene

16 Oct 2023

Hi i'm a commission siging agent in Tennessee and moving to Washington State will I have to retake a NNA Exam for Washington

National Notary Association

17 Oct 2023

Hello. You will need to resign your Tennessee Notary commission and apply for a new Notary commission in Washington state. You can contact our Customer Care team at services@nationalnotary.org for assistance applying for your new Washington Notary commission.

Sharene

16 Oct 2023

Ok perfect so I have the notary in VA and mainly work in Va but my primary address is sin fact in California so there for I will be eligible to apply for the one in California as well and ;maintain that one along with the VA one. Thanks

Sharene Doles

16 Oct 2023

Hi, I am recently a notary of VA but in a few months will have 2 business locations. One in VA and one in CA. Is it possible to obtain a notary in both states as long as I have 2 legal addresses?

National Notary Association

16 Oct 2023

Hello. You would need to meet the qualifications for each state to apply for a Notary commission. An applicant for a commission as a California Notary Public (GC 8201[a][1] and [2]): (a) must be at least 18 years old; and (b) must be a legal resident of California. An applicant for a commission as a Virginia Notary Public must (COV 47.1-4): (a) Be at least 18 years old; (b) Be a legal resident of the United States; (c) Live or work in the Commonwealth of Virginia; (d) Be able to read and write the English language; and (e) Never have been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, Virginia or any other state unless pardoned, had rights restored or had the conviction vacated.

Debbie

27 Sep 2023

Hello - I am moving to NV as my primary residence and working from home. The companies office is in CA. Can I be a dual notary public in both CA and NV? Or do I need to resign in CA and get commissioned in NV for my companies CA notary needs?

National Notary Association

28 Sep 2023

Hello. Only CA residents may hold a CA Notary commission. If you move to Nevada, you would have to resign your CA commission and apply for a Nevada commission. Please note you would not be able to travel to notarize documents in California once you resign your CA commission.

Lori Sanchez

13 Sep 2023

I am commissioned in California and recently moved to Arizona. Do I send my journal to the county clerk where I took my oath or do I have to give it in person? Do I need to resign?

National Notary Association

15 Sep 2023

Hello. You will need to resign your CA commission and contact the county clerk's office for instructions to send your journal to them. “If you want to resign your commission, send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State’s office; within 30 days deliver all of your notarial journals, records, and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath of office is on file; and destroy the seal” (NPH; see also GC 8209).

Michael

10 Sep 2023

Hello, I have yet to finish my notary courses in NYC and have moved to CT. Will I have to start over?

National Notary Association

11 Sep 2023

Hello. You would only be eligible for a NY Notary commission after your move if you still have a place of business in New York state. Otherwise, you are no longer eligible to hold a NY Notary commission.

Pet

04 Sep 2023

I am a GA notary. I am temporarily in NY for work. My tax address is still GA even though I am out of state for work. Am I allowed to function as a notary out of state or do I need to turn in my journal? Or I can maintain my journal and seal until I return to GA?

National Notary Association

05 Sep 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Terri

27 Jul 2023

Is there a such thing as a National Notary who is able to work in multiple states?

National Notary Association

28 Jul 2023

Hello. No, though some states permit their Notaries to operate in other jurisdictions. For more information, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/10/faq-where-can-notaries-use-their-commissions

Kaley Nelson

11 Jul 2023

Hello, I am a CA notary moving to OR but with a business address in CA still. Can I keep my CA notary license and notarize while in CA for business?

National Notary Association

12 Jul 2023

Hello. Sorry, but only legal CA residents may hold a CA Notary commission. You will need to resign your CA commission when you move out of state.

Katie Hoke

28 Jun 2023

I'm a notary public commissioned in Michigan. But im moving to TX. Can I notarize documents in TX or would I need to apply as a new notary in TX? Can I still notarized in Michigan via RON with my stamp? It does expire until 20225

National Notary Association

30 Jun 2023

Hello. You would need to apply for a new TX Notary commission to perform notarizations in Texas. You would need to resign your Michigan commission if you will no longer be a resident of Michigan or maintain a place of business in Michigan.

Sandra

16 Mar 2023

If I am a notary in the state of California, but I am moving to the state of Washington, what do I do with my notary materials (stamp, journal)?

National Notary Association

17 Mar 2023

Hello. The CA state Notary Public Handbook says, "If you want to resign your commission, send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State’s office; within 30 days deliver all of your notarial journals, records, and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath of office is on file; and destroy the seal"

Rebecca Kaiser

09 Feb 2023

I moved from CA to Texas and my CA notary commission expired in November so I'm late in returning my journal unfortunately! Can I mail it in, or do I need to deliver it to the County Clerk in person?

National Notary Association

23 Mar 2023

Your journal(s) can be mailed to the county clerk. Please contact the appropriate county clerk for information regarding mailing and fess due if any.

Haley

08 Nov 2022

Hello, I am currently a California notary and at the end of the month I am moving to Seattle, WA. What is the address that I should mail in my journal & resignation letter? Also, even though I will be living in WA I still plan on visiting CA a few times a year. Can I possibly keep my notary possession & perform notary acts when I do visit CA?

National Notary Association

10 Nov 2022

Hello. In California, “If you want to resign your commission, send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State’s office; within 30 days deliver all of your notarial journals, records, and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath of office is on file; and destroy the seal” (NPH; see also GC 8209).

Deb

06 Sep 2022

I am currently a Pennsylvania notary. We moved to South Carolina. Can I still have my PA notary until it expires?

National Notary Association

07 Sep 2022

Hello. Unless you still have a place of employment or practice in Pennsylvania, you would no longer be eligible to hold a PA commission after you move out of state. “Resigning notaries public, as well as those whose commissions have expired or been revoked, pursuant to 57 Pa.C.S. § 319(e), must deliver their journal to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary public last maintained an office within 30 days of: “(1) expiration of the commission of the notary public, unless the notary public applies for a commission within that time period; “(2) resignation of the commission of the notary public.” (PA DOS website, “Update Information”).

Maya

27 Apr 2022

Hello! I am currently a notary in MD and wish to acquire a commission in VA once I move. Am I able to still notarize in MD with my commission even though I will no longer be a resident?

National Notary Association

28 Apr 2022

Hello. You would only be able to continue as a MD Notary if you will continue to have a place of employment in Maryland after you move out of state. Otherwise, you will need to resign your MD commission.

Nancy Caligaris

20 Apr 2022

I am temporarily moving to FL and wish to keep my CA notary license, is that possible? I would like to keep it for when I move back.

National Notary Association

02 Jun 2022

No. California Government Code GC 8201[a][1] and [2] indicates that a California Notary must be a resident of the state.

Dolly Rickerman

22 Mar 2022

Colorado: I resigned my notary public because I thought I was switching to a different position where I wouldn’t need it. Unfortunately, I do need it…do I just reapply?

National Notary Association

23 Mar 2022

Hello. Yes, you would need to apply for a new Notary commission.

Yvonne

22 Jan 2022

I was remiss in resigning my commission in CA quite a few years ago. I have since moved to TN and found my materials after the move. What do I do now, as I have obviously missed the 30 day time period to resign and return my materials.

National Notary Association

25 Jan 2022

Hello. To request instructions what to do with the Notary materials, you would need to contact the CA Notary Public Section at 1-916-653-3595.

Charleen Cuellar

23 Jul 2021

Hello, I'm moving from California to Idaho. I'm a notary but have never notarized any documents. I know that have to I write a letter of resignation to the SOS within 30 days, but do I need to turn in a blank journal? Also, is there any records and papers I need to turn in? Im seeing this in some of your answers. Thank you.

National Notary Association

03 Aug 2021

No, you do not have to surrender a blank journal. No other documents need to be surrendered since you did not notarize any signatures.

Shannon

18 Jan 2021

Hi, I moved from CA to TX and sent my letter to the Secretary of State in CA to resign my commission. How long do I have to wait before I can apply for a new commission in Texas? Am I ok to apply or do I need to wait for any communication from the SOS in CA?

National Notary Association

29 Jan 2021

Hello. You can apply for a Texas commission if you have notified the CA SOS of your resignation and meet the following requirements: (a) Be a resident of the state of Texas; (b) Be at least 18 years old; and (c) Not have been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. (GC 406.004[a])

Maria

26 Oct 2020

Hello. I moved from NY to FL do I have to send a resignation letter to the state.

National Notary Association

26 Oct 2020

Hello. A Notary resident of New York State who moves out of state but still maintains a place of business in the state may remain a Notary; otherwise, the office of Notary is thereby vacated (EL 130). A Notary nonresident who ceases to have an office or place of business in New York State thereby vacates the office of Notary.

Terri Terlizzi

09 Oct 2020

If I am a notary in NY, move to NJ but move back to NY, do I have to reapply for my NY notary if I don't become a notary in NJ? and does reapply mean fill out an application or take the test all over again?

National Notary Association

12 Oct 2020

A Notary resident of New York State who moves out of state but still maintains a place of business in the state may remain a Notary; otherwise, the office of Notary is thereby vacated (EL 130). A Notary nonresident who ceases to have an office or place of business in New York State thereby vacates the office of Notary. If you no longer worked in NY when you moved to NJ, you will have to apply for a new NY commission when you move back to NY.

Nikita

03 Aug 2020

I am canceling my IL commission because I moved to TX, but due to the pandemic I can't get an appointment for Driver License until Jan '21, Can I still apply for my TX commission without new DL?

National Notary Association

04 Aug 2020

Hello. An applicant for a Texas Notary Public commission must (GC 406.004[a]): (a) Be a resident of the state of Texas; (b) Be at least 18 years old; and (c) Not have been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. A Texas driver's license is not a requirement to apply for a Texas Notary commission.

teleicioushernandez@hotmail.com

16 Jul 2020

I moved from Florida to North Carolina; can my notary be transferred or do I have to start over in North Carolina

National Notary Association

16 Jul 2020

Hello. You will need to resign your Florida commission and apply for a new Notary commission in North Carolina.

Adrienne Bell

09 Apr 2020

How can I destroy my notary tools once my commission expires? I am relocating to another state and won’t be renewing in NJ

National Notary Association

09 Apr 2020

Hello. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/01/what-do-with-old-notary-seals

Lindsay

13 Mar 2020

I am moving from MA to TN and just received my commission last month and haven't signed anything. Do I just send a letter to my secretary of state's office as well?

National Notary Association

17 Mar 2020

Hello. You will need to send the MA Secretary of State's office a signed notice that you are resigning your commission, destroy or deface your Notary seal and if you have any journal records, you must retain them for 7 years after the date of your resignation.

Misty

13 Dec 2018

I became a notary in CA at the end of 2017, I moved to AZ this summer. I never got the change to notarize any documents. Can I just write to the CA Sec of State and end my commission and destroy my stamp? Or do I actually have to send a blank book back?

National Notary Association

13 Dec 2018

Hello Misty. While we cannot see any reason the Secretary of State's office would require you to submit a journal if you have performed no notarizations and made no entries, we recommend contacting their office at 1-916-653-3595 to confirm this.

mason m. doone

08 Dec 2018

I am writing a notary that I no longer stay with my mom

Sharon

30 Oct 2018

I am a CA notary and I moved to CO. I believ I have to notify the Sec. of State by mail. Do I alos mail in my journals to the Sec of State in CA?

National Notary Association

31 Oct 2018

Hello. If you want to resign your commission, send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State’s office; within 30 days deliver all of your notarial journals, records and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath of office is on file; and destroy the seal.

Nydia

20 Sep 2018

If I live in AZ and have my notary, then temporarily move to CA for 9 months, then return to AZ, would I be able to continue using my notary in AZ? Or would I need to give up my AZ notary commission once I move then reapply when I return?

National Notary Association

24 Sep 2018

Hello. Persons who do not have a primary residence in Arizona for income tax purposes do not qualify for a Notary commission in the state (ARS 41-312[E][2]). If you moved out of state, you would need to resign your commission and apply again when you returned.

Jessica Heckmann

13 Aug 2018

I am a Pennsylvania notary and am moving to Tennessee. I no longer wish to be a notary. What do I need to do with my tools?

National Notary Association

15 Aug 2018

"On resignation of a notary public commission or on the expiration of the date set forth in the stamping device, the notary public shall disable the stamping device by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner which renders it unusable” (57 Pa.C.S. 318[a][2]). “A notary public shall deliver the journal of the notary public to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary public last maintained an office within 30 days of: “(1) expiration of the commission of the notary public, unless the notary public applies for a commission within that time period; “(2) resignation of the commission of the notary public; or “(3) revocation of the commission of the notary public” (57 Pa.C.S. 319[e]).

Ann

09 Aug 2018

What if a person were to have dual residency? Such as a home in Florida and in Wisconsin.

National Notary Association

09 Aug 2018

Hello. You would need to follow the rules of the state that issued your commission.

Richard

09 Jan 2018

I have moved from OH to GA and do not wish to renew ... Do I just destroy the OH notary seal, journals, etc.?

National Notary Association

09 Jan 2018

A Notary, other than an attorney, who resigns a Notary commission must deliver to the Secretary of State a written notice indicating the effective date of resignation (ORC 147.05[D]). Because guidelines for Ohio Notaries varies by county, we would recommend contacting your county bar association or the county clerk of the court of common pleas in your county to see if they have recommendations regarding disposal of your seal and journal.

Jane

02 Nov 2017

Hello, If I become a licensed CA notary public and must move for a specified amount of time to the east coast, then move back to CA for primary residence, what do I do with my journal and seal? Do I resign once primary residence/practice moves out of state, and is there a specified time frame granted which allows any situation where I do not need to resign in CA, if I know I will again be moving back to CA within the year? Thank you.

National Notary Association

02 Nov 2017

Hello. You may not continue your CA Notary commission if you cease to be a legal resident of California. You would have to send a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State’s office; within 30 days deliver all of your notarial journals, records and papers to the county clerk in which your current oath of office is on file; and destroy the seal. You would be able to apply for a new commission once you moved back to California.

Grace

10 Oct 2017

I am a Notary in North Carolina . I am moving to GA and wish to be a Notary still. Do I have to resign and re apply or can it be transferred? would I have to take the course over? or test?

National Notary Association

10 Oct 2017

Hello. Notary commissions cannot be transferred between states. You would have to resign your NC commission and apply for a new one in Georgia.

Brittney Ten Cate

20 Jun 2017

I am moving from Michigan to Ohio. Operating under the assumption that the notary cannot be transfered, what do I need to do to resign my notary in Michigan

National Notary Association

22 Jun 2017

Hello. Please contact the Office of the Great Seal at 888-767-6424 for instructions.

Dawn

09 Jun 2017

I live in Colorado

National Notary Association

09 Jun 2017

A Colorado Notary who resigns the commission, does not intend to renew, or ceases to have a business or residence address in the state must send or have delivered to the Secretary of State a letter of resignation and the Notary’s official journal, papers and seal — whereupon the commission ceases to be in effect (CRS 12-55-115[2]).

Dawn

09 Jun 2017

I am moving out of state and i haven't notarized any thing. Do I need to turn in my book?

National Notary Association

09 Jun 2017

Hi Dawn. What state are you commissioned in, please?

Michelle

06 Apr 2017

I am a Notary on the state of VA. I have recently relocated to GA. I see in previous comments that I need to resign from VA and reapply in GA. How do I resign in VA since I have already relocated?

National Notary Association

06 Apr 2017

Hello. A Virginia Notary who wishes to resign may do so by sending a letter of resignation and his or her commission to the Secretary of the Commonwealth (HNP; see also COV 47.1-22[A] and [D]).

April

19 Feb 2017

Hello, I am a notary in the state of Florida but plan to move this summer to the state of Nevada. Would I have to retake the course all over again in the state of Nevada, and basically start from zero? Thanks

JAH

14 Jul 2016

I am a Notary in Nebraska. I am moving to AZ and wish to be a Notary in my new state. Do I have to resign and re apply or can it be transferred?

National Notary Association

20 Jul 2016

Hello. You cannot transfer a Notary commission to another state. You would need to resign and apply for a new commission in your new state.

Terri Bryan

27 Jun 2016

I am a Notary in Pennsylvania. I am moving to Colorado. Can my notary be transferred or do I need to resign and reapply? Since I have been a notary, would I have to take the Notary course in Colorado?

National Notary Association

30 Jun 2016

Hello. You would need to resign your PA commission and apply for a new commission in Colorado. You will need to take the mandatory CO training and exam.

Brittnie Dillon

26 May 2016

I am a Notary in Colorado. I am moving to AZ and wish to be a Notary still. Do I have to resign and re apply or can it be transfered?

National Notary Association

27 May 2016

Hello. You would need to resign and re-apply in Arizona.

Deontea Vickers-Idrisov

26 Feb 2016

I am a Notary in Georgia. I am relocating to California. I wish to continue my commission, can grandfather my notary to California, and how? Thank u

National Notary Association

26 Feb 2016

Hello. We're sorry, but it is not possible to transfer a Notary commission between GA and CA. You will have to resign your Georgia commission and re-apply for a new California commission after you move.

David E Scott

13 Jul 2015

Just prior to moving from Tennessee to Missouri I took all my Notary Journals to the Bradley County Clerks office. They thought it was kind of funny that I thought they had the room to store completed journals. I took them back home and still have them (all 16) in my possession today! Dave

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