The office is similar to that of Notaries Public; thus, commissioners of deeds generally authenticate their acts with some type of official seal.
In the state of New Hampshire, Commissioners of Deeds are officers appointed by the Governor to a term of five years, who are authorized to administer oaths, take depositions and affidavits, take acknowledgments of deeds and other instruments of writing, for documents intended to be used or recorded in the state of New Hampshire.
In the state of New York, a Commissioner of Deeds is an official with duties similar to that of a Notary Public.
A large number of political party officials and activists apply to become commissioners of deeds to certify signatures on nominating petitions in New York's notoriously complex elections process, as the application is cheaper and the registration process slightly less cumbersome than for a notary.
Prior to July 1, 2003, the executive powers of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required that notaries public be residents of the state.
The law currently allows for any person maintaining a regular office located in Pennsylvania to be appointed as a Notary Public.
[14] The governor may biennially appoint and commission one or more individuals in other states, territories, or foreign countries or in the District of Columbia to serve as commissioner of deeds.
An appointment may be made only on the recommendation of the executive authority of the state, territory, or foreign country or of the District of Columbia.
A commissioner of deeds has the same authority as a notary public to take acknowledgments and proofs of written instruments, to administer oaths, and to take depositions to be used or recorded in this state.