Can I notarize a document dated in the past?
Asked by: Donato Ondricka | Last update: January 1, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)
Remember that under no circumstances are you permitted to backdate or otherwise falsify the date a signature is notarized, regardless of whether the document has a separate date on it or not.
Can I notarize a document with an old date?
Regardless as to the notary's state of commission, backdating is viewed as a deceptive and fraudulent practice, and knowingly including a date other than that of the actual signing could land a notary in serious trouble. Most cases of backdating go unnoticed, but that doesn't mean it's an acceptable practice.
Can I notarize a previously signed document?
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.
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.
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.
Should the date on the notarial certificate match the date that the notarized document was signed?
Does a notarized document ever expire?
Notarized documents don't expire, but their validity can be affected by outdated information or an expired notary commission. Keep details current and ensure the notary's seal is clear to avoid issues.
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.
How to correct a date on a notarized document?
If you are asked to correct a document, be sure to apply corrections only to existing documents. Please note that some states do not authorize you to correct a notarized document - California specifically states “There are no provisions in the law that allow for the correction of a completed notarial act.
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.
Can you notarize something after the fact?
In layman's terms, no – you cannot notarize an already signed document. You can notarize documents like power of attorney, wills, and affidavits. Ordinarily, you just need to sign a document in the presence of a notary, and you're good to go.
Can you notarize the same document twice?
Yes, it is OK.
Can you notarize the back of a document?
Usually, notarization is completed right below the text that someone is signing off to. A signature can be notarized on the back side of the last page of the double-sided document you describe.
Can you backdate a signature?
Backdating is the practice of marking a check, contract, or other legally binding agreement with a date that is prior to the current date. Backdating is usually not allowed and even can be illegal or fraudulent in some situations.
Can I notarize an original document?
Special rules/restrictions: The original document must be provided to Notary and personally copied by Notary (website, “Apostilles and Authentications”). A Notary may not certify a copy of a public document that is considered an official record (Notary Public Handbook).
When should a document be notarized?
Documents that require notarization usually indicate that clearly, providing space for the notary's signature and seal. Some of the most common types of documents needing to be notarized are: Articles of incorporation. Real estate contracts and property deeds.
Can I notarize a document dated in the future?
Can I notarize a document with a future date? No. The execution of a notarial certificate must always contain the actual date of the notarization. The notarial certificate must never be postdated or predated to accommodate the signer or anyone else.
Is it illegal to change the date on a signed document?
Changing terms in contracts or agreements: After a contract is signed, altering the terms, dates, or monetary amounts without consent is a form of fraud.
What is the difference between backdate and postdate?
Definition: When you write a date on a document, like a check, that is later than the actual date, it is called postdating. This is different from antedating or backdating, which means writing an earlier date on the document.
What is the difference between document date and notary date?
Document dates can indicate the date the document was drafted, or in some cases they may indicate the date the actual loan signing takes place. Either one is different from the date on the Notary certificate, which always indicates when the signer appeared before the Notary and the notarization took place.
Is notary a high risk business?
Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.
What happens if a document is not notarized?
These documents solely depend on the signatures of the parties involved to establish their authenticity and enforceability. Although non-notarized documents can still be legally valid, they lack the supplementary level of authentication and verification that comes with notarization.
Does a notarized document expire?
2. Does a notarized document ever expire? The notarization of any document does not expire itself. This means there is no such rule that states that a specific notary stamp expires and will not be acceptable after a certain date.
Are notaries dated?
Without exception, notarial certificates are always dated with the actual date of notarization—the date that the principal signer personally appeared before the notary and the notarization was performed.
Do notaries keep a log?
In states that do require a journal, the law varies from state to state. In California, Notaries are required to keep their journals for as long as they remain Notaries.