Can DocuSign replace a notary?

Asked by: Ms. Patsy Auer V  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)

The trusted way to remotely and electronically notarize agreements. Docusign Notary is the best fit for organizations that need to notarize many documents per year and can supply their own notary.

Can you use DocuSign instead of a notary?

With Docusign Notary, you can: Provide a convenient and efficient experience for your signers, as they can now remotely sign and notarize agreements without the need to meet a notary public in person.

Is a signatory the same as a notary?

An individual who provides a signature guarantee is known as a signature guarantor. The primary distinction between a signature guarantee and a notary signature is that a signature guarantor provides their signature on behalf of the institution (such as a bank) they represent in the transaction.

Can I notarize a document that is already 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.

Is a signed notarized document legally binding?

There is a huge misconceptions that if individuals go and get a document notarized everything is good, but that is not the case because the notarized document is not a court order, it is an agreement between the parties, but ultimately it cannot be enforced because it is not signed off by a judge.

Docusign Notary: How to Perform Remote Online Notarization

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Can you get a document notarized 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. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

What is the difference between signing and notarizing?

In addition to helping to execute the documents, a loan signing agent must also ensure documents are submitted accurately and on time to complete the transaction. Notary publics are not required to review or file the documents to ensure their accuracy, they simply verify the signer's identities and signatures.

Does "acknowledged" mean notarized?

No, they are not the same. Acknowledgement refers to the act of someone declaring a signature as their own in front of a notary. On the other hand, notarization encompasses a broader range of actions.

What happens if a notary does not witness signature?

In fact, most state notary laws prohibit a notary from notarizing a signature if the signer is not present. Violating the personal presence requirement may result in monetary loss for the client and lead to a lawsuit against the notary or a claim against the notary's bond.

Is DocuSign legally binding?

Are DocuSign's electronic signatures legally binding? DocuSign eSignatures are valid and legally binding across the globe and in use in 188 countries around the world.

Can notarized documents be emailed?

Can you email a notarized document? Even though you are able to email a notarized document, this does not necessarily mean it is going to be accepted. If you plan on submitting a notarized document this way, you should reach out to the other person ahead of time to make sure they will accept it.

Is there an alternative to DocuSign?

The market is full of robust alternatives to Docusign, each tailored to specific business sizes, use cases, and industries. However, the five best DocuSign competitors overall include Juro, Dropbox Sign, signNow, Adobe Sign, and PandaDoc.

Do DocuSign signatures hold up in court?

Electronic signatures hold up in court since they are legal signatures. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, otherwise known as the E-Sign Act, states that electronic signatures shouldn't be considered invalid simply because they're electronic.

What is the best online notary service?

Top 5 Remote Online Notarization Providers
  • 1) DocVerify.
  • 2) Notarize.
  • 3) NotaryCam.
  • 4) SIGNiX.
  • 5) Safedocs.

How much does DocuSign cost per month?

Here's a quick overview of DocuSign pricing: Personal (Single User) – $15/month. Standard – $40/month. Business Pro – $60 month.

What does a notary say when notarizing a document?

For a notarial act to be valid, the notary must perform the verbal part of the acknowledgment notarial act by asking the signer: “Do you acknowledge that you signed this document voluntarily and for the purposes stated therein?

Is acknowledging the same as signing?

An acknowledgement is a process whereby a signer acknowledges their signature on a document before a notary public. This verifies that the signature was made voluntarily and with full understanding of its implications. An acknowledgement provides additional evidence of the authenticity of the signature.

What is the word for swearing before a notary?

Jurat: Act in which a Notary certifies having watched the signing of a document and administered an oath or affirmation.

What makes a notarized document invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

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.

Can a notary use a stamp instead of a signature?

If you are a notary who notarizes multiple documents a day, using a signature stamp can be a tempting way to avoid hand cramping and carpal tunnel. However, laws that regulate the acts of notaries are often very strict. This includes using a facsimile signature stamp in lieu of a handwritten or wet signature.

Can banks notarize documents?

Notarization verifies your identity and certifies that you have signed documents for legal reasons. Documents that may need a notary include wills, sworn statements, powers of attorney, promissory notes, and bills of sale, among others. Most banks have notaries available and offer their services for free to customers.

Is there a time limit on notarized documents?

In summary, notarized documents do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless there are specific laws or regulations that require them to be updated or renewed. It is important to understand your local laws in order to ensure that all documents remain up-to-date and legally binding.

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 two people get a document notarized separately?

You may notarize the signature of one person appearing before you and then the second person can appear before a Notary in their city/state and have their signature notarized. Each Notary will complete notarial wording for the person appearing before them.