A notary cannot notarize a signature that is already electronic

A notary's job is to watch you sign a document in person and then add their seal to confirm they saw it happen. An electronic signature—one you typed, clicked, or drew on a screen—was created without a notary present, so there is nothing for the notary to verify. The notary cannot go back and notarize something that already happened without them.

What a notary can do is notarize a document that contains an electronic signature if you appear before them in person and acknowledge that the signature is yours. This is different from notarizing the act of signing. You are asking the notary to confirm your identity and your statement that you created that electronic signature, not to watch you sign.

The rules vary by state. Some states allow notaries to notarize documents with electronic signatures present; others do not. A few states have special rules for remote notarization, where you appear by video instead of in person. Before you ask a notary to do this, check your state's notary laws or ask the notary directly whether they can handle your document.

Key Takeaways

  • A notary cannot notarize an electronic signature that was created before the notary saw it, because notarization requires the notary to witness the signing in person.
  • A notary can notarize a document that already has an electronic signature on it if you appear in person and confirm the signature is yours.
  • State law determines whether a notary is allowed to notarize documents containing electronic signatures, and the rules differ significantly by location.
  • Some states offer remote notarization by video, which may allow you to have an electronic signature notarized without traveling to an office.
  • Ask your notary or your state's notary board before you bring a document with an electronic signature, because they may refuse based on state rules.

The difference between witnessing a signature and notarizing one that exists

Notarization has one core requirement: the notary must see you sign. When you sign in front of a notary, they watch the pen move, confirm your identity by checking your ID, and then stamp the document. This is witnessing the act of signing.

An electronic signature breaks that chain. You created it alone, at a computer or phone, without anyone watching. By the time you bring the document to a notary, the signature already exists. The notary cannot rewind time and witness something that already happened.

Some people ask a notary to notarize a document and then add an electronic signature to it. This works because the notary watches you sign (or in some cases, watches you acknowledge that you will sign electronically). But if the signature is already there when you walk in, the notary has nothing to witness.

When a notary can notarize a document with an existing electronic signature

In some states, a notary can notarize a document that already contains an electronic signature if you appear before them and acknowledge the signature. Acknowledgment means you tell the notary, under oath or affirmation, that the signature is yours and that you signed it knowingly. The notary is not witnessing the signing itself—they are witnessing your statement about the signature.

This is a narrower act than notarizing a fresh signature. You are essentially saying, "Yes, that is my electronic signature, and I put it there on purpose." The notary confirms your identity, records that you made this statement, and seals the document.

Not all states allow this. Some states require that a notary witness the actual signing, which means the signature must be created in front of them or not at all. Other states have moved toward accepting electronic signatures and allow notaries to notarize documents that contain them, as long as you acknowledge them in person. A few states have gone further and allow remote notarization, where you appear by video call instead of in the notary's office.

State-by-state rules for electronic signatures and notarization

Notary law is set by each state, so the rules change depending on where you are. There is no single federal rule that applies everywhere. Some states have updated their notary laws to accept electronic signatures; others have not.

States that allow notarization of electronic signatures usually require that you appear in person and confirm the signature is yours. A handful of states allow remote notarization, where you appear by video conference instead of in an office. Remote notarization is faster if you cannot travel, but not all states offer it, and not all notaries are trained to do it.

The best way to find out what your state allows is to contact your state's notary board or secretary of state office. You can also ask the notary directly—they know their state's rules and can tell you whether they can notarize your document. If they say no, they are following state law, not refusing out of stubbornness.

What to do if your state does not allow notarizing electronic signatures

If your state does not allow a notary to notarize a document with an electronic signature, you have a few options. The simplest is to print the document, sign it by hand in front of a notary, and have them notarize the paper version. This takes a few minutes and costs the same as any other notarization.

If you need the document to stay electronic, ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether they will accept a notarized paper copy that you scan and email. Many will. If they will not, ask them what format they need—some organizations have specific requirements that your notary can help you meet.

Another option is to check whether your state offers remote notarization. If it does, you can schedule a video call with a notary, sign the document electronically during the call (so the notary witnesses it), and the notary can notarize it. This keeps everything digital and may be faster than traveling to an office.

How to prepare a document with an electronic signature for notarization

If you are bringing a document that already has an electronic signature on it, call the notary before you go. Explain that the document contains an electronic signature and ask whether they can notarize it under your state's law. This saves you a trip if they cannot.

Bring a photo ID so the notary can confirm your identity. Bring the document itself—either printed or on a device you can show the notary. The notary will ask you to confirm that the electronic signature is yours, record that you made this statement, and add their seal.

If the notary says they cannot notarize the document as it is, ask what they recommend. They may suggest printing it and signing it by hand, or they may refer you to a notary who offers remote notarization. Either way, they can point you toward a solution that works in your state.

Remote notarization as an alternative for electronic documents

Remote notarization allows you to have a document notarized by video call instead of in person. The notary watches you sign electronically on your screen, confirms your identity, and notarizes the document without you leaving home. This is faster than scheduling an office visit and works well if you live far from a notary.

Not all states allow remote notarization, and not all notaries offer it. Those who do usually charge more than an in-person notarization because they need special software and training. Check your state's notary board website to see whether remote notarization is legal where you live, and search for "remote notary" or "online notary" in your area to find someone who offers it.

Remote notarization is especially useful if you need to notarize a document that will stay electronic. The notary can watch you sign it on your computer, notarize it when ready, and send you the notarized file by email. The whole process can take 15 to 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a notary notarize a PDF that I already signed electronically?

It depends on your state. Some states allow a notary to notarize a document with an existing electronic signature if you appear in person and confirm the signature is yours. Others do not. Call a notary in your area and describe the document—they can tell you whether it is possible under your state's law.

What if I need the document notarized but I cannot travel to a notary's office?

Check whether your state allows remote notarization. If it does, you can schedule a video call with a notary, sign the document on your screen while they watch, and have it notarized without leaving home. Not all states offer this, so search your state's notary board website or look for "remote notary" services in your area.

Can I print a document with an electronic signature and have a notary notarize the paper copy?

Yes. If your state does not allow notarizing electronic signatures, printing the document and signing it by hand in front of a notary is the simplest solution. The notary will notarize the paper version, and you can scan it and email it if you need a digital copy.

Do I need to sign the document again if a notary is going to notarize it?

Not necessarily. If the document already has your electronic signature and your state allows notarizing existing signatures, you can acknowledge it in front of the notary without signing again. If your state requires a fresh signature, the notary will ask you to sign in front of them, either by hand or electronically (depending on what your state allows).

How much does it cost to have a notary notarize an electronic signature?

Notary fees vary by state and by notary. Most in-person notarizations cost between $5 and $15 per signature. Remote notarizations usually cost more, often $25 to $50, because they require special software and training. Call ahead and ask for the fee before you schedule an appointment.