Can a Notary Notarize a Document Already Signed?

Do you have a document that you need to get notarized? If so, you may be wondering if a notary can notarize a document that has already been signed. Usually, this is not allowed; however, there are situations where this could still be possible. If you are wondering if a notary can notarize a document already signed, there are several important points to keep in mind. If you think about these issues ahead of time, you can make sure your notary can properly notarize your document. What do you need to know about this process?

Can You Notarize a Document Already Signed?

There are numerous types of documents that you may need to get notarized. The purpose of getting a document notarized is that this allows a notary public to verify that the person who signs the document is the same as the name on the piece of paper. Furthermore, a notary public will make sure that the individual signing the document understands the implications of that document. A few examples of documents that need to be notarized include:

• Documents related to legal proceedings
• Papers related to significant financial transactions
• Documents related to real estate

In the vast majority of situations, the notary has to be there to witness the person sign the document. If a notary does not witness the person sign the document, then you may need to start over. On the other hand, there are situations where a notary receives a document that has already been signed. For example, someone may not realize that the notary has to be there to watch the person sign the document. So, what will the notary do in this situation?

How Does a Notary Validate an Already Signed Document?

In order to figure out whether a notary can notarize a document that has already been signed, people need to understand the difference between the two types of notarial acts. These include:

• Acknowledgments: If a notary has to perform an acknowledgment, the only thing the notary has to do is verify that the person has signed the document of his or her own free will. If the individual is acknowledging his or her signature, they may have signed the document a long time ago. As long as the person is able to confirm that the signature belongs to them, the notary can finish the process.
• Jurat: If a notary is being asked to perform something called a jurat, this is something that needs to be performed under oath. In this situation, the notary has to confirm that the document is true. Then, the individual has to sign the document as a part of their statement. When this is taking place, the notary has to be present. Therefore, if the document has already been signed, then the person will need to start over.

It is important to talk with a notary if you are unclear about the differences between these two types of acts. That way, you can figure out if you can sign the document ahead of time.

How Can OneNotary Help You Notarize a Signed Document?

If you are document has already been signed, you may be wondering what to do. You are probably thinking about trying to find a notary public it was in your area. This can be a complicated process, as you may drive from place to place trying to find someone who is available to assist you. That is where OneNotary can be of assistance. It is possible for you to get your document notarized for actually, even if the document has already been signed. If you decide to get your document notarized through OneNotary, the steps include:

• First, you should take a look at the calendar posted on OneNotary. That way, you can find someone who is available to help you. You need to select an appointment time that fits your calendar.
• After you have signed up for an appointment, you will receive an email confirmation. This email will contain a link that you can use to upload the documents that need to be notarized.
• Prior to your appointment, you will answer a few questions to verify your identity.
• When it is time for your appointment, you will meet with a notary using video conferencing software. The notary public will walk you through the process of getting your document notarized.
• Once the appointment is finished, the notary will notarize your documents. Then, you can download them and submit them to the appropriate party.

If you decide to get your documents notarized virtually through OneNotary, you might be able to save a significant amount of time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notarizing a Signed Document

If you are wondering how to notarize a signed document, there are several common questions people have. These include:

• Does a notary have to witness signature?

There are certain situations where a notary will have to watch someone sign a document. This is important if someone is signing a document that involves swearing an oath.

• Why does a notary have to watch someone sign of document?

It is the job of the notary to make sure that the person signing the document is the same as the person whose name is at the top of the page. That way, the notary can verify that the individual understands the contents of the document.

• What if I try to submit a document that has not been notarized?

If you try to submit a document that has not been notarized, the other party might not accept it. This could hold up whatever transaction you are trying to accomplish. If the document has to be notarized, you should go through his process.