Can you notarize something after the fact?
Asked by: Lavina Renner | Last update: December 15, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)
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 a document after the fact?
Now, you might be wondering if it's even legal to notarize a document after it has been signed. The short answer is yes! While some may believe that notarizing a pre-signed document is akin to performing a magic trick, it is, in fact, a perfectly valid practice.
Can a document be notarized if 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.
Can I notarize a document dated in the past?
Your notary portion must reflect the actual date you performed the act. The doc itself can have any past date. You just need your ack or jurat to be dated the day you sign and seal.
Can you post date 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.
Notarizing Documents: Frequently Asked Questions!
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 you backdate a notary stamp?
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.
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 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.
Does an expired notary void a legal document?
If a notary seal has expired, then the document may be rejected. It is important to make sure the seal is valid before leaving. There might also be a situation where the notarial certificate is incomplete.
Can you notarize the same document twice?
Yes, it is OK.
Is notarized legally binding?
The notary acts as an impartial witness, verifying the identity of those signing and ensuring they understand what they are signing. Notarization adds a layer of trust and credibility to the document but does not automatically make it legally binding.
Do both parties have to be present to notarize a bill of sale?
In some cases, a notary public can notarize one party's bill of sale signature. This might happen if they're absent but have consented to another individual signing on their behalf. The jurisdiction and circumstances will determine whether both parties must attend a bill of sale notarization.
How long is a notarized document valid in Canada?
In Canada, a notarized document does not expire.
There is no expiration date associated with the notary stamp or seal. As long as the traditional or online notary had a valid commission by the Provincial or Territorial government, your document will remain valid.
Can a notary make statements like in my opinion?
It's never the job of a Notary Public to swear or affirm as to the client's or signer's state of mind or legal capacity. A statement like, “In my opinion, the person before me is signing under his own free will,” is an unauthorized practice of law.
What is a notarized statement of fact?
A notarized affidavit serves as a powerful legal document that provides a sworn statement of facts. Often used in various legal proceedings, it carries significant weight because it's signed in the presence of a notary public, ensuring authenticity and credibility.
Can a document be notarized after the fact?
Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. 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.
What happens if you do a notary wrong?
What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.
What makes a signed document invalid?
For a contract to be valid, all parties must have the legal capacity to enter into the agreement. This means they must be of sound mind, of legal age, and not under any form of coercion. If one party lacks this capacity, the contract can be deemed void.
Can you notarize an old document?
It depends on the type of notarization requested. For an acknowledgment, the document may be previously signed, and the signer must acknowledge to you that he or she signed the document and did so willingly [G.S.10B-3(1)]. However, if you are performing a jurat, the signer must sign the document in your presence.
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.
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.
Is it legal to backdate a signature?
If the agreement is reached at a date earlier than the document's date, the purpose is to memorialize it; but if the agreement was not reached until the date, backdating is a misrepresentation. Seemingly innocuous backdating can become illegal and inappropriate fabrication because of this ambiguity.
Can you predate a notary?
Yes, provided you keep some things in mind. In general, any document bearing a date in the future or future effective date may be notarized before that date.
How do I 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.