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Can a Notary delay completing a notarization for an online document?

Photo of woman with long dark hair on phone. She is looking at papers in her hand. Text on image reads NNA Hotline Tip.

Can a Notary sign and date an online document on a different date than the signer? For example: The Notary witnesses the signer sign a document containing a jurat on the 9th online, however, the Notary is not able to date and notarize the document until the next day on the 10th. Is that okay, or are they required to sign and date the document on the same day as the signer?V. M., Ohio

No, it is not okay. The Notary must complete all steps of the notarization, including the notarial certificate, at the same time and on the same day when the document signer is in the Notary’s presence, whether physically or online.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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