Can a notary stamp a document twice?

Asked by: Napoleon Metz  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)

Yes, it is OK. You may notarize multiple copies of an original document provided that the signer's signature on each copy is an original signature made in pen and ink and your notarization is “original” for each one.

Can you double stamp a notary stamp?

Never restamp over anything including your notary stamp. If there is not enough room to stamp a second time, then you will have to attach a separate certificate. Be sure its the same certificate as the one you tried to stamp on ie acknowledgement or jurat.

What makes a notary stamp invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

For example, the seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Can a notary notarize something that has already been signed?

No, notarization rules vary by jurisdiction. Some states, like California, require the notary to witness the signature, whereas others, like Texas, allow acknowledgment of a pre-existing signature.

How to Prepare for Your First Notarization

36 related questions found

Can you notarize something twice?

Yes, it is OK. You may notarize multiple copies of an original document provided that the signer's signature on each copy is an original signature made in pen and ink and your notarization is “original” for each one.

How do I notarize a document with two signatures?

If you have a document that requires notarization and needs to be signed by more than one person, you and the other signer(s) can meet with a notary in one of the following ways: In the same meeting on the same device (up to 2 signers) In the same meeting on separate devices. In separate meetings at different times.

Can you edit a document after it's been notarized?

In fact, the signer has the sole right to make changes to the document. Remember, if the notarization period is complete, then the public notary cannot modify a notarial certificate. In order to make changes, however, the signer has to appear in person in the presence of a notary public to initiate new notarization.

What is a notary liable for?

A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

Does a notary have to stamp every signature?

All 50 states require public notaries to place their respective stamp on documents as a means to finalize and authenticate the service. Without this stamp, the document is not legally notarized.

How can a stamp be invalid?

Regular stamps without a barcode* are no longer valid for postage. We've added barcodes to all our regular stamps.

Is it okay if my notary stamp is upside down?

Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.

Can you use a stamp twice?

After use, many stamps are marked with a cancellation by the postal system, which defaces the stamp and prevents its reuse. The cancellation usually includes a killer placed on the stamp that has black bars, cork impressions or other obstructive shapes to deface the stamp.

What happens if someone uses your notary stamp?

Importance of safeguarding your notary stamp.

If a notary stamp is used to commit fraud in your name, then you will have to prove that you did not notarize the document in question. This can be challenging and costly, will always involve hiring an attorney, and could involve giving testimony in court.

Can a notary make a mistake?

Notary mistakes are causing a spike in document rejections

Documents rejected for improper notarization have risen to 25 to 30 percent in the state of California. The rates of rejection vary from county to county.

What is a notary prohibited from?

Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.

Is a notary a signature guarantee?

The notary public verifies the signer's identify – usually done by checking his or her driver's license of state-issued ID card – and stamps the document to finalize its execution. While a signature guarantee shares some similarities to a notary stamp, they are two unique processes, each with its own purpose.

Is a document legally binding if notarized?

To conclude, because notaries public notarize signatures, not the content of a document, notarization does not make a document "legal" or "official" in any way. It is important to note that a document that is illegal or false prior to notarization is still illegal or false even after being notarized.

Is it illegal to copy a notarized document?

Is a Copy of a Notarized Document Legal? It depends on the exact situation. If you are getting a copy notarized by a notary, then this should be a legal document. On the other hand, if you have a notarized document and you go ahead and make another copy, this is not necessarily going to be legal.

Can you void a notarized document?

To void a notarized document, legal proceedings must be initiated, often through a petition or lawsuit. This process involves collecting evidence to support claims of fraud, coercion, or errors in the notarization.

Can a notary have two stamps?

Having Multiple Notary Stamps - A Good Practice

It may be prudent when ordering your notary stamp to order one or two additional stamps at the same time.

What is split signing?

By Kelly Rush, Updated December 9, 2024. Split signings often cause confusion for Notary Signing Agents. A split signing is when loan documents need to be signed by multiple borrowers, such as partners or spouses, but only one of the borrowers is available at one time.

Can a notary notarize a document with their name on it?

If a notary were to notarize his or her own document, all the required steps to take a signer's acknowledgment would be skipped and it would defeat the purpose of having a notary. More importantly, there would be a direct, real conflict of interest and the entire process could be compromised.