What Makes a Notarized Document Valid

Not every signed document that looks official is actually a valid notarized document. Here's what has to be present for it to hold up.

What Makes a Document "Notarized"

A notarized document isn't just a signature with a stamp next to it. For a
notarization to be valid, several specific elements have to be present:

• A completed notarial certificate — standardized language stating what type of notarial act was performed (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.), where, and when.
• The notary's signature, exactly matching their commissioned name.
• The notary's official seal or stamp, including commission details.
• Verified identity of the signer, through acceptable ID.
• The signer present at the time of notarization — either physically or, for remote online notarization, via live video.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate a Notarized Document

• Pre-signing the document before meeting the notary. A notary must witness the signature happen — a document signed in advance generally can't be notarized.
• Missing or incorrect notarial certificate language. Using the wrong certificate type (acknowledgment vs. jurat) is one of the most common reasons notarized documents get rejected downstream.
• Expired notary commission. A notarization performed after a notary's commission has lapsed is not valid.
• Incomplete ID verification. If the notary can't properly verify the signer's identity, the notarization shouldn't proceed.

Getting a Notarized Document Right the First Time

A notarized document that gets rejected by a bank, court, or title company for a
technical error means starting over — which costs more time than getting it right
the first time. NY Notary's commissioned notaries complete the correct
certificate language for your specific document type during an online session,
reducing the chance of a rejection down the line.

Get a Properly Notarized Document