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Do I need witnesses for these out-of-state documents?

I was sent to a signing which I thought was for property in California. But the property is located in Florida. Florida requires two witnesses, but since California is a no witness state, are witnesses still required? P.G., California

Yes. Even though witnesses for deeds are not required in California, two witnesses are required for deeds in Florida (FS 689.01). Without them, the deed cannot be recorded in the land records.

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

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5 Comments

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Toshimi Minoura

28 May 2023

We live in Oregon and have a rental house in California. Can a Quitclaim deed for a rental house in California be notarized in Oregon? I heard that notalization in California requires two witnesses, but Oregon does not require witnesses. Are witnesses required for a Quitclaim deed prepared in Oregon.?

National Notary Association

30 May 2023

Hello. We're sorry, but those are questions that would need to be answered by a qualified attorney or qualified real estate professional.

LEROY NOTARY AT LARGE

21 Feb 2022

SAME IN STATE OF TENNESSEE

Lorraine S Rudofsky

21 Feb 2022

This article would be much more helpful if you would list the states that require witnesses. Not just one,Florida.

Victoria

21 Feb 2022

Last count I had there are 5 states: Connecticut: Two witnesses required (one witness may be the notary) Florida: Two witnesses required (one witness may be the notary) Georgia: One witness required (can’t be the notary) Louisiana: Two witnesses required (neither can be the notary) South Carolina: Two witnesses required (one witness may be the notary)

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