Why You Need a Notary
A Montana Notary Public is essential for notarizing Quitclaim Deeds. Montana also recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned in other states (MCA § 1-5-605), making it more convenient for those unable to visit an in-state notary.
A notary public does not validate the accuracy or legality of a Quitclaim Deed. Instead, their role is to witness the signing and verify the identity of the signer.
In Montana, notarization is required for a Quitclaim Deed to be recorded with the county Clerk & Recorder's Office. Without notarization, your deed may be rejected.
Prefer Not to Drive to a Notary?
Montana permits remote online notarization (RON) under MCA § 1-5-603 — the notary must be physically located in Montana at the time of the signing, but you can complete the process from home. See our online notary option for details.
Notary Stamps and Embossers: What to Know
Samples of Notary Stamps are shown above. These are examples of what to look for when verifying a document's notarization.
It is always recommended to contact the county Clerk & Recorder's Office where the deed will be recorded to confirm acceptance of out-of-state notarizations.
How to Search for a Notary in Montana
Montana Secretary of State Notary Search
To locate or verify a notary, visit the Montana Secretary of State's Notary Public search tool and search by name or commission number. For general notary rules and the notary handbook, see the Montana SOS Notary page.
Notary FAQs
Can an out-of-state notary notarize my Montana Quitclaim Deed?
Yes, Montana recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned in other states (MCA § 1-5-605), but it is always recommended to confirm with the county Clerk & Recorder's Office.
What documents are required for notarization?
You will need a valid form of government-issued identification and the document you wish to have notarized.
How do I verify a notary's credentials?
You can verify a notary's credentials through the Montana Secretary of State Notary Public Search tool at biz.sosmt.gov/search/notary.
Can I notarize a Montana deed remotely?
Yes. Montana allows remote online notarization (RON) under MCA § 1-5-603 — the notary must be physically located in Montana at the time of the signing, but you can be anywhere. See our online notary page.
