Q: Can a grant deed that will be filed in California be notarized in Oregon?

A: Yes, a deed can be notarized anywhere is the US (notarizing outside the US is more complicated) and then recorded in California. But California will (wrongfully in my opinion) insist on the use of the California statutory notarial affidavit. The trick is finding an out of state notary who knows how to do that. Or have the deed prepared by an attorney who understands this.

A: Yes, you can have a grant deed notarized in Oregon even if it will be filed in California. The key requirement is that the notary public in Oregon is properly commissioned and authorized to perform notarizations there. Make sure the executor signs the deed in the presence of the Oregon notary to ensure the notarization is valid.

However, since the property transfer is occurring through probate, there may be additional legal requirements to consider. It’s important to ensure that all probate procedures are correctly followed and that the notarized deed meets California’s specific standards for probate transfers. This helps avoid any delays or issues when filing the deed with the California county recorder’s office.

To ensure everything proceeds smoothly, you might want to contact the recorder’s office in the county where the property is located. They can provide guidance on any specific documentation or steps needed for out-of-state notarizations. Taking these precautions will help facilitate a convenient and legally sound transfer of the real property.