Notarizing Out-of-State Documents in Washington: What You Need to Know

Got a document from another state that needs to be notarized here in Washington?

You are definitely not alone. This is something I run into often, and most people are surprised to learn that notarizations are not one-size-fits-all across state lines.

Each state has its own legal requirements for how a notarial certificate must be worded, and when a document crosses borders, things can get tricky. But here is the good news: I know how to handle it.

Here is how I make sure your out-of-state document is properly notarized and fully valid in Washington:

✅ Step one: Check the certificate wording

The notarial wording does not have to be identical to Washington’s templates, but it must include certain elements to meet our legal standards. That means I check for accuracy, completeness, and compliance. If anything is missing or worded incorrectly, we can address it right away.

🖊️ Step two: Correct the venue line

This is one of the most common issues I see. The venue line (where it says “State of ___, County of ___”) must reflect where I am physically located when I notarize your document. Even if the document was drafted or is being filed elsewhere, the venue must match my current location. If it is incorrect, I simply correct it. This is standard and required by law.

📄 Step three: Attach the right certificate if needed

If the out-of-state notarial language is unclear, lacks essential details, or is just not legally usable here in Washington, I will attach a Washington-approved certificate with all the proper information. This protects the validity of the document and makes sure it holds up under scrutiny.

So if you are holding a document from California, New York, Texas, or anywhere else, do not worry. You do not have to figure out the legal wording yourself. That is what I am here for. I will walk you through the process and make sure everything is done correctly, legally, and with care.

✨ GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

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