Do Deeds Require Witnesses? What Notaries & Homeowners Should Know by State

10-15-25 09:48 AM - By Berjoh Elise Fullilove

Do Deeds Always Require Witnesses? What Every Homeowner and Notary Should Know

When it comes to signing and transferring property, one small detail can make a huge difference — witness requirements.

Many notaries and homeowners assume a notarization alone makes the deed complete. But depending on the state where the property is located, that’s not always true.

Some states require witnesses in addition to the notary acknowledgment, and in certain places, the notary may even serve as one of those witnesses.

Let’s break it down so you can stay compliant and avoid costly recording delays.

🔍 States That Require Witnesses for Deeds

Only a few U.S. states require witness signatures on property deeds. These are often called “witness states.” If you’re signing or notarizing a deed in one of these states, be sure to plan for the right number of witnesses.

State	Number of Witnesses	Can Notary Be a Witness?	Notes
Connecticut	2	✅ Yes	One of the witnesses may be the notary.
Florida	2	✅ Yes	One of the witnesses may be the notary, but not for their own signature.
Georgia	2	❌ No	Notary cannot act as a witness.
Louisiana	2	❌ No	Civil law state – notary and witnesses must be separate.
South Carolina	2	✅ Yes	Notary may serve as one witness.

🖋️ Tip:

Even when a notary is allowed to act as a witness, it’s still best practice to have at least one additional disinterested witness (someone not benefiting from the transaction).

🌎 States That Do Not Require Witnesses

In most other states, the notarization itself is sufficient. No additional witness signatures are required unless specifically requested by the recording office or title company.

Some examples include:

California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois — no witness requirement; a proper notarization is all that’s needed for recording.
Indiana — updated law (2020) now requires one notarized witness signature on recorded instruments.
Tennessee — witness lines appear on some forms, but only needed if the deed is not being notarized.

✅ Rule of thumb:

If a state doesn’t require witnesses, the notary acknowledgment alone makes the document valid for recording.

⚖️ Why Witness Requirements Matter

1. Recording Office Rejections

If a deed is missing the required witness signatures, the county recorder may reject it — delaying or invalidating the transfer.

2. Notary Liability

Acting incorrectly as a witness where it’s not permitted could create legal or ethical risks for the notary.

3. Out-of-State Signings

If you’re notarizing for a property in another state, follow the property’s state laws, not your own.

4. Statutory Changes

Laws change. Always double-check with your state statutes or recording clerk’s office before scheduling the appointment.

🧭 Pro Tips from B. Elise Notary Services

Confirm before you travel. Ask your client which state the property is in and whether witnesses are needed.
Bring qualified witnesses when required — they should be 18 or older, not related to the signer, and not a party to the transaction.
Never notarize your own signature. Even if your state allows you to act as a witness, your notarization must remain independent.
Educate your clients. A few minutes of clarity can prevent a deed rejection that takes weeks to correct.
Stay current. Bookmark your state’s notary handbook and check for legislative updates annually.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Witness requirements may seem like small technicalities, but they’re the key to recording a valid, enforceable deed.

Whether you’re signing in Florida, South Carolina, or anywhere in between — knowing your state’s rules keeps every transaction smooth, professional, and compliant.

At B. Elise Notary Services LLC, we specialize in helping clients and real-estate professionals complete signings that meet every legal standard — whether in-person, online, or hybrid (IPEN).

📞 Need a knowledgeable notary for your next real-estate transaction?

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