Is it possible for a foreign resident to become a Notary in Florida? I am the holder of a nonresident U.S. performer’s visa. I spend half of my time in the U.S. When I am back home in the Caribbean, I get numerous requests for Notary services from Floridians that cannot be fulfilled on the island and am asked if I can notarize while I am in Florida. — C.S., Florida
To become a Florida Notary, you must be a legal resident of the state. U.S. citizenship is not required to become a Notary as long as you are a permanent resident. Permanent residents must file a Declaration of Domicile that has been recorded with the circuit court of the county in which you reside along with the application for a Notary commission.
A duly-commissioned Florida Notary may only perform notarial duties within the borders of Florida.
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 counselors 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.