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Can I notarize a printed copy of a signature?

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Can I notarize a document that was signed, scanned in, printed out, THEN brought to be notarized? I.E., The document has a signature; it's just not the actual ink signature, it's a copy of it. I have verified their identity and they confirmed to me it was their signature.Y.R., Texas

You may not notarize the copy of a signature. The signature must be the original wet signature, not a copy.

For more information, please see the section “Originals versus copies of signature on paper” in our article, “A Notary's guide to different kinds of signatures.”

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline consultants to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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10 Comments

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Sky

18 Dec 2024

I'm in Michigan. Does this apply? "You may not notarize the copy of a signature. The signature must be the original wet signature, not a copy."

National Notary Association

20 Dec 2024

Hello. Yes, you must notarize an original signature, not a copy.

Annette

15 Jul 2024

I had Construction AIA billings and he stamped his signature on it. I know who he is and i know his signature but it was a stamp, Is that ok to notarize?

National Notary Association

15 Jul 2024

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Gerry

10 Jul 2024

I'm in Vermont.

National Notary Association

29 Jul 2024

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Gerry

04 Jul 2024

If the signer tells me (s)he printed it him/herself, then the signer caused it to appear on the paper and I can notarize it in my state.

National Notary Association

08 Jul 2024

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Amanda Kelly

03 Jul 2024

Hello, For the bank in which I work and notarize for, I recently notarized a mortgage satisfaction for a certain county. It was sent to the county, and then returned with the satisfaction attached. In looking at it, the county created a cover page for that document and copied and pasted my original notary and placed it on the cover page. I am looking for insight on how to handle this, if its acceptable, and what actions I need to take for this. Thank you.

National Notary Association

12 Jul 2024

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

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