Is a copy of a notarized document valid?

Asked by: Miss Loren Jakubowski  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 5/5 (71 votes)

A notarized copy must be made per the notarization laws of the state in which it is copied. In order to be considered a certified copy, the notarized copy must contain a notary seal verifying the original notarization is valid. In some situations, you have to get a copy of a notarized document or a notarized photocopy.

Is a copy of a notarized document valid in the USA?

It depends on the document. Most document types don't require an original. However, if it was a document that genuinely required notarization, you may need the original.

Is a photocopy of a document valid?

The second federal law, the Uniform Photographic Copies of Business & Public Records Act, has been enacted in nearly every state in the United States. According to this act, duplicates of documents are considered to have the same legal importance as originals.

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 a digital copy of a notarized document legal?

Yes, e-notarized documents are legally valid and accepted across various regions. In the U.S., regulations like the ESIGN Act and UETA validate electronic signatures, with many states adopting specific laws for remote online notarization (RON) to support legal compliance.

Should notaries keep copies of notarized documents

24 related questions found

Can I 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.

Is a notarized electronic document considered an original document?

“When a document is notarized using remote online notarization (RON), everything is electronic - the document, the signature, and the notarization”. Using a remote notary from an online notary service means the electronic seal is the original version of 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.

How do you validate a notarized document?

Once you receive a document that was notarized via remote online notarization, there are a few essential tokens to look for:
  1. The document must be signed with the unique digital certificate.
  2. The document must include an audit trail.
  3. The document must not be modified after the notarization session is completed.

Can you edit a document after it has 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.

Are photocopies of evidence acceptable?

Only a photocopy or other reproduction of an original document shall be filed. (d) Where a willful suppression of evidence is shown to exist, it shall be presumed that the evidence would be adverse, if produced.

What is the difference between a notarized copy and a certified copy?

A notarized copy of a document and a certified true copy is the same. Although certified copies often refer to the copies of vital records and documents, such as birth certificates, which you can obtain only from the county clerk, the terms notarized and certified copies of documents are used interchangeably.

Is a copy of a legal document valid?

What you really want to know if whether something other than an original, inked, document will be admitted into evidence in a court of law or other legal proceeding. The general answer is YES. Most jurisdictions will permit photo copies, whether they be from a copy machine or fax.

Can you make copies of a notarized will?

A notarized copy must be made per the notarization laws of the state in which it is copied. In order to be considered a certified copy, the notarized copy must contain a notary seal verifying the original notarization is valid. In some situations, you have to get a copy of a notarized document or a notarized photocopy.

Do notarized copies 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.

How to tell an original document from a copy?

A photocopy of a genuine signature may show “lumpiness” or lack of smooth, clear-cut strokes, resulting in poor line quality (record of the strokes), when in reality the original document may contain good line quality upon examination.

Do courts verify notarized documents?

No, notarization does not automatically guarantee a document's admissibility in court. While it enhances a document's authenticity, courts consider multiple factors such as relevance, authenticity, and compliance with legal standards before admitting a document as evidence.

Are notarized documents self authenticating?

A quick definition of Self-Authenticating Documents:

These documents include things like papers that have been notarized or sworn under oath, newspapers or magazines, trade inscriptions, commercial papers or documents, and public records or official records that have been properly certified.

How official is a notarized document?

A notarized letter or document is certified by a notary public, a licensed public officer who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and establishes the authenticity of the signatures. A notary's signature and seal are required to authenticate the signature on your letter or legal document.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

Can you use whiteout on a notarized document?

A notary must never white-out any mistakes, errors, or other information in the notarial certificate.

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.

Is a notarized copy the same as an original?

A notarized document is one that has been signed in the presence of a notary public, who confirms the signer's identity and willingness to sign. On the other hand, a certified document is a duplicate that has been verified to match the original.

Is a notarized document a certified copy?

In California, the notary is prohibited from “Certifying” documents with the exception of Power of Attorney documents and their own journal entries. Some other states do allow the notary to do so, which can cause confusion if the requesting agency is located outside California.

Are notarized documents considered sworn documents?

The two most common types of notarized documents are sworn statements and acknowledged statements. Sworn statements are often (but not always) called affidavits. Some documents have the word affidavit in the title but no wording that requires an oath.