Is a notary valid without a date?

Asked by: Prof. Roy Gaylord  |  Last update: May 27, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (15 votes)

If there is no date, you can still notarize the signature as you normally would, provided that all other requirements for notarization in your state are met.

Does a notarized document need to be dated?

A properly dated document is a requirement of a lawful notarial act. You will also have to date the notarial certificate that is attached to the document. The date on which the notarial act was performed is the third piece of information entered on the notarial certificate (after the State and Venue).

What makes a notary 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 a notary stamp have a date on it?

Most states require the notary seal to contain the notary public's name, the words “notary public,” and the date on which the notary public's commission expires.

How long is a notarized letter good for?

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.

Can A Notary Notarized A Paper Without A Person Being Present

32 related questions found

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 I find my notary expiration date?

The dates your commission starts and ends are on your official certificate or record.

Can a notary use an expired stamp?

An expired notary seal will also result in the rejection of a notarized document. In other cases, a notary stamp impression that is too light or dark, smudged and incomplete may also result in rejection or invalidation of the notarization act.

How do you tell if a letter is notarized?

First, everyone involved in the letter has to sign the letter, including the notary public. Then, there will probably be a stamp for the date on which the document was notarized. Furthermore, the notary is also going to include his or her seal on the document.

What is a commission date?

Commission Date or “Date of Commission” means the date a person takes the oath of service in the Department.

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.

Why would a notary be denied?

These may include: The signer is not physically present (unless the Notary is performing a remote online notarization) The signer cannot be properly identified. The signer does not speak the same language as the Notary.

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 I notarize a document signed in the past?

Since the signer is only acknowledging his or her signature, the signature could have been affixed some days, weeks, months, or even years earlier. As long as the signer is personally present before the notary and acknowledges the signature, then the notary can proceed with performing the notarial act.

When must a document be notarized?

Not every document that needs to be signed needs to be notarized — only certain types of paperwork require a notary's seal. While laws vary from state to state, they typically include real estate transactions, certain legal documents, many financial documents, and some forms related to healthcare.

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.

How to tell if a notary is legitimate?

You could also ask the notary to provide a reference from a previous client. Authentic examples of past work can be a good way to verify a notary is legitimate.

How to 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 a notary notarize without their stamp?

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.

Is my notary still valid?

Notaries usually have an expiration date on their commission. It is the responsibility of the notary to make sure that their commission is still valid. As long as their commission has not expired, then all documents they notarize should be valid as well.

Does a notary stamp make a document legal?

Notarization adds a layer of trust and credibility to the document but does not automatically make it legally binding.

What happens if a notary makes a mistake?

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.

Does notary have a date?

The date you enter on the Notary certificate must be the same day you notarize the signature of the signer. With that said, the date in the main body of the document and the date of notarization on the certificate don't always have to be the same.

Does a notary stamp have to have an expiration date?

The notary seal or stamp is what makes the notarization official. It includes the notary's name, commission number, and the expiration date of their commission. In most states, the notary is required to affix their seal or stamp to the document as part of the notarization process.

How much does it cost to renew a notary?

Depending on the state, the Notary renewal cost can be less than $100 or up to a few hundred dollars. The total amount will be close to what you paid to get your first commission.