How to Get a Trust Document Notarized When the Signer is Out of State

Here’s a common scenario:

You’ve got a trust document ready to go, maybe it’s part of a new estate plan, maybe it’s an urgent update, but the person who needs to sign it is in another state.

Here go the questions:

• Can I still get this document notarized?
  
  
• Who do I call in a state I don’t live in?
  
  
• What if I don’t know any notaries there?
  
  
• How do I make sure it gets done right?
  
  

Whether you're a family member coordinating the signing, an estate planning attorney managing client logistics, or an escrow officer wrapping up a file, this situation is more common than ever, and totally solvable.

Let’s walk through exactly how to get a trust document notarized when the signer is out of state, and how to do it with confidence.

First, Can a Notary in Another State Handle It?

Yes, as long as the notary is commissioned in the same state where the signer is physically located at the time of signing.

That’s the key.

Notarizations are based on where the notary and signer are physically present, not where the document originated.

So, if your signer is spending a few weeks in Florida, and you’re in California, you’ll need a notary commissioned in Florida to complete the notarization, even if the trust is governed by California law.

That means finding someone in the right place, at the right time, who knows how to handle estate planning documents.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Qualified Notary Out of State?

This is where the stress usually kicks in, especially for attorneys and escrow officers used to working with a trusted network. Hiring someone you’ve never met in another state can feel risky.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Gotary.com was built to solve this exact problem.

It’s a directory of trained, vetted, professional notaries, including mobile and online notaries, across the United States. You can search by specialty (like trust and estate work), by location, and by availability.

And the best part is you don’t have to guess.

You can browse full notary profiles, see credentials, and connect with real pros, many of whom do this full-time and understand the stakes.

If your signer is out of state, Gotary helps you find someone nearby who knows how to get the job done.

The Power of CNTDAs: Trust Notaries Who Know What They’re Doing

On Gotary, we’ve created a category specifically for estate planning signings:

Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs). These professionals are trained and certified by the authority-folks over at Notary Coach. 

These notaries are trained to:

• Navigate full trust and estate signing appointments
  
  
• Understand common estate planning documents and protocols
  
  
• Communicate clearly with attorneys, fiduciaries, and signers
  
  
• Show up on time, act professionally, and protect your client experience
  
  

So even if you’re coordinating a signing across the country, you can trust you’re putting the appointment in capable hands.

What If the Signer Is in a Different State, but Still Wants to Do It Online?

Great question.

Many states now allow Remote Online Notarization (RON), which means the signer can log in from anywhere, meet with a notary over secure video, and complete the signing digitally.

Here’s the catch: not every state allows this, and certain documents (including some trusts) may still require in-person notarization.

But if online is an option, it’s often the fastest and most convenient route.

The signer just needs:

• A valid ID
  
  
• A reliable internet connection
  
  
• Access to a computer or device with a camera

The notary needs to be commissioned in a state that allows online notarization, even if the signer is in a state that doesn’t. That’s where Gotary’s network shines again. We’ve got notaries across multiple RON-approved states who can walk you through it.

Not sure if online works for your case? The notary can help you figure it out, or refer you to someone who can.

Common Use Cases (And How We Help)

• An elderly parent is vacationing in Arizona and needs to sign their trust amendment.

Search Gotary for a CNTDA in that area who can visit their resort or care facility.

• Your client lives in New York, but the trust was prepared in California.

Gotary helps you find a New York notary who understands estate documents, and won’t treat it like a routine form letter.

• Your signer is across the country and needs to sign tomorrow.

Search Gotary for online notaries who can meet your deadline and handle the process virtually.

Why It Matters to Get the Right Notary (Even Across State Lines)

Estate planning documents aren’t casual. They need to be completed correctly, or they may not hold up when they’re needed most.

And in cross-state situations, the margin for error goes up:

• Is the notary comfortable with trust documents?
  
  
• Do they know how to guide the appointment with professionalism?
  
  
• Can they coordinate with your firm or clients confidently?
  
  
• Will they treat your reputation like it matters?
  
  

When you use Gotary, the answer is yes.

Here’s How to Do It Step-by-Step:

1. Go to Gotary.com
   
   
2. Choose the category: Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents or Online Notary
   
   
3. Enter the signer’s zip code or location
   
   
4. Browse notary profiles, read reviews, and select the best fit
   
   
5. Reach out directly to coordinate the appointment
   
   

Done. Smooth. Professional. Handled.

Distance Doesn’t Have to Be a Dealbreaker

Whether your signer is out of town, out of state, or even out of the country, there’s almost always a way to get their trust documents properly signed and notarized.

The key is working with a notary who knows what they’re doing, and that’s exactly what Gotary was built for.

Don’t roll the dice with a search engine or hope someone’s cousin’s friend is available.

Find a pro you can trust, right now, at Gotary.com