Wyoming · DeedsWyoming deeds: acknowledgment before a notarial officer and why recording first matters
Wyoming's deed formalities are short. Deeds, mortgages and other conveyances of land, or of any interest in land, must be acknowledged by the party or parties executing them before a notarial officer, who must comply with W.S. 32-3-109 (W.S. 34-1-113). Recording then decides priority: every conveyance of Wyoming real estate that isn't recorded as the law requires is void against any later purchaser in good faith and for value of the same property whose conveyance is recorded first (W.S. 34-1-120). The statutes read here don't add a witness requirement on top of the acknowledgment.
What the statutes set
Acknowledgment (34-1-113)
By each signer, before a notarial officer.
Officer's duties (34-1-113)
The officer follows W.S. 32-3-109.
Race-notice (34-1-120)
An unrecorded deed is void against a later good-faith buyer who records first.
What it covers (34-1-113)
Deeds, mortgages and other conveyances of land or interests in land.
What the TC checks before a Wyoming deed is recorded
- Confirm each signer will acknowledge before a notarial officer.
- Record the deed promptly after closing – priority goes to the first good-faith buyer to record.
- Track the recorded deed and its document number in the file.
Questions about Wyoming deeds
Does a Wyoming deed need to be notarized?
Yes. It must be acknowledged by the signers before a notarial officer (W.S. 34-1-113).
What happens to an unrecorded Wyoming deed?
It is void against a later good-faith purchaser for value whose conveyance is recorded first (W.S. 34-1-120).
Related guides
Track the signing and the recording of the deed as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.
Start free trialSources: W.S. 34-1-113, 34-1-120 (wyoleg.gov), read October 31, 2026.
General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.