Electronic signatures cannot be notarized in most states
A notary cannot notarize a document that already bears an electronic signature. Notarization requires the signer to appear in person before the notary and sign the document in front of them. An electronic signature — whether typed, drawn on a screen, or created through a digital signing service — was made without a notary present, so there is nothing for the notary to witness or verify.
The notary's job is to confirm that the person signing is who they claim to be and that they are signing willingly. That confirmation only works if the notary sees the signature happen. Once a document is electronically signed and sent, that moment has passed.
Some states have passed laws allowing remote notarization, where a notary watches you sign via video call. But even in those states, the signature must be created during the video session, in real time, with the notary watching. A signature that was already electronic before the notary saw it does not may have access to.
Key Takeaways
- A notary must watch you sign the document in person or, in some states, over a live video call — they cannot notarize a signature that was created electronically before the notary was involved.
- If you need a notarized signature, you should sign a paper copy in front of a notary or arrange a remote notarization session in a state that offers it.
- Some digital signing platforms like DocuSign can add a notary step to their workflow, but the actual notarization happens separately and in real time.
- Electronically signed documents are legally binding in most situations, but they are not the same as notarized documents and serve different purposes.
When you actually need a notarized signature versus an electronic one
Not every document needs to be notarized. Many contracts, agreements, and forms are legally valid with just an electronic signature. Banks, employers, and online services use electronic signatures every day without notarization.
Notarization is typically required for documents that affect property, legal status, or official records. Examples include real estate deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and adoption papers. Your lender, court, or government agency will tell you if notarization is required for a specific document.
If the document does not require notarization, an electronic signature is usually faster and simpler. If it does require notarization, you will need to sign in front of a notary — either in person or, in some states, on a video call.
How to get a document notarized if it is currently electronically signed
If you have already signed a document electronically but now need it notarized, you have two options: print it and sign it again in front of a notary, or use a digital notarization service that allows you to sign during a video session.
Printing and signing in person is straightforward. Find a notary public through your bank, a UPS Store, a local law office, or an online notary directory. Bring the unsigned printed copy, your ID, and any other documents the notary requests. The notary will watch you sign and then add their seal and signature.
Remote notarization is available in most states but not all. Services like Notarize, LegitScript, and some state bar associations offer video notarization. You schedule a session, appear on camera with your ID, and sign the document on screen while the notary watches. The notary then adds their digital seal. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What happens if you submit an electronically signed document when notarization was required
If a lender, court, or government office requires a notarized signature and you submit an electronically signed document instead, they will reject it. You will have to resubmit with a proper notarized signature.
This rejection can delay closing on a home, filing a legal case, or processing an official record. The delay is usually a few days to a week, depending on how quickly you can get to a notary and resubmit. In time-sensitive situations like a real estate closing, this can be costly.
To avoid this, check the requirements before you sign. If the document says "notarized signature required" or "must be signed before a notary public," do not sign it electronically first. Wait and sign in front of the notary.
Digital notarization platforms and how they work
Some document platforms like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and Notarize have built-in notary features. These services do not notarize an electronic signature that was already made. Instead, they pause the signing process and connect you to a notary for a live video session.
Here is how it typically works: you upload your document to the platform, add the places where signatures are needed, and select the notary option. The platform schedules you with a notary or lets you choose a time. During the video session, you appear on camera with your ID, and you sign the document on screen while the notary watches. The notary then adds their digital seal directly to the document.
The document remains in digital form throughout and does not need to be printed. This is faster than printing, driving to a notary, and mailing the document back. However, the notary still must see you sign in real time — the signature cannot be created before the notary joins the session.
State differences in remote notarization rules
Most states now allow remote notarization, but the rules vary. Some states require the notary to know you personally or have verified your identity beforehand. Others allow the notary to verify your identity using government-issued ID shown on camera. A few states still require in-person notarization only.
If you are using a remote notarization service, check whether your state is listed as supported. The service will tell you during signup. If your state is not supported, you will need to find a notary in person.
The rules also differ on what counts as a valid electronic signature for notarization purposes. Some states accept any digital signature; others require specific types of encryption or authentication. Again, the notarization service will handle these technical requirements on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a PDF that someone else already signed electronically?
No. The notary must watch the signer create their signature. If the signature already exists in the PDF, the notary cannot verify that the person who claims to have signed it actually did so. The signer would need to sign again in front of the notary.
Is an electronically signed document legally valid without notarization?
Yes, in most cases. Electronic signatures are legally binding for contracts, agreements, and many other documents under federal law and the laws of all 50 states. Notarization is only required when a specific law, regulation, or contract says it is required — not automatically.
Can a notary add their seal to a document that is already electronically signed?
A notary can add their seal to a document, but that does not notarize the electronic signature. The notary's seal only certifies that they watched you sign in their presence. If the signature was created before the notary saw it, the seal does not validate that signature.
How much does remote notarization cost?
Remote notarization typically costs between $25 and $75 per document, depending on the service and your state. In-person notarization at a bank or notary office is often cheaper, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks offer notarization for free to account holders.
What if my state does not allow remote notarization?
You will need to find a notary public in your area and sign the document in person. Search online for "notary public near me" or ask your bank, local law office, or courthouse for a referral. Many UPS Stores and shipping centers also offer notary services.