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What is a Commissioner of Deeds?

by the American Association of Notaries

A commissioner of deeds, like a notary public, is a public officer who can take acknowledgments and administer oaths. However, unlike notaries, commissioners of deeds can exercise their duties outside the state in which they are appointed, and their power is typically limited to authenticating documents intended to be used or recorded in the state of appointment.


During the 19th century, deeds to be recorded in a grantor's state could only be acknowledged before a judge of a court of record if the grantor was located outside his or her state. The difficulty of finding a judge of record prompted states to establish an office of the Commissioner of Deeds to help individuals take acknowledgments of documents intended to be recorded in their states. As states started accepting notarial acts performed in other states, the role of the commissioner of deed became less important.

Currently, 15 states have laws on the books allowing the appointment of commissioners of deeds. However, the majority of these states are not currently appointing them. Only Florida, New Hampshire, and New York are still accepting applications for appointment, and Hawaii recently enacted a law allowing the appointment of commissioners.

As stated above, laws tend to limit commissioners' power. In Florida, commissioners can only notarize documents related to timeshares. In New Hampshire, commissioners may notarize any document intended to be used or recorded in the state. New York has a different form of commissioner of deeds, which is a lesser form of notary public appointed by city councils. The requirements to become a commissioner typically include filing an application, taking an oath, and paying a fee. Some states require bonds similar to those required for notaries public.

Becoming a commissioner of deeds may be a good way to add value to your services as a notary public. Consult your state's notary authority to determine if you can become a commissioner of deeds in your state.

By Robert T. Koehler, a Contributing Writer with the American Association of Notaries, Inc.

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Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.

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