A Clear Guide: Is a Copy of a Notarized Document Acceptable?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Electronic RON seal makes digitally notarized document the original
• Printouts of RON transactions contain no signatures so are just copies
• Follow all online notary steps to ensure valid, smooth notarization

If you need to have a document notarized, it’s important to use the original and not a copy. 

This helps verify accuracy and prevent fraud. This brings up an interesting question. . . 

1. Is a Remote Online Notarization (RON) document considered the original?

An online notary service like NotaryLive makes the document just as official as one notarized by a traditional notary public. 

The National Notary Association (NNA) confirms this, stating that: 

“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. 

Is a copy of a notarized document acceptable?

No. A notarized document that is scanned, faxed or duplicated is rarely acceptable as a legal document. 

Who can certify a true copy of an original document?

Notaries and authorized individuals can certify a true copy of an original document.

When certifying a copy, a notary compares it to the original document and confirms its accuracy with their signature, seal, or stamp. 

What is a notarized copy?

A notarized copy (AKA: certified copy), is a duplicate of a document that bears the signature and seal of a notary public. 

The main purpose of notarization is to authenticate the legitimacy of the copy, not the original document itself. 

What if there is a copy of the notarized document?

If a notary certifies a copy, it becomes a legal document – but when creating a different copy from an existing notarized document may not be legally valid. 

Check with guidelines to ensure the copy will be acceptable from the relevant party. 

How do I provide an original copy of the document?

If you need to provide an original copy of the document, you should provide the digital version from a notary session. 

It’s a good idea to make a copy of the unsigned document and print extra copies just in case. 

A printout of the transaction would not have an original signature and would be considered a copy. 

2. Wondering how to notarize a document online?

NotaryLive’s Remote Online Notarization (RON) platform is a convenient and efficient way to get a document notarized.  You can get your documents remotely notarized by a virtual notary from the comfort of your own home or office. 

How NotaryLive works in 4 easy steps. . . 

To get started, you can click the button below, 

Notarize Now!

FAQ

• How do I get a certified true copy?
  • You can get a certified true copy by making a photocopy or digital copy of original document, finding a notary public or authorized person – they will compare copy to original and affirm accuracy by attaching their signature or notarization. 
• What is the difference between certified true copy and original copy? 
  • An original copy is the main document that has a notarization.
  • A certified true copy is a duplicate that matches the original (this will be verified by a notary or authorized person). It doesn't verify the authenticity of the original but confirms accuracy.
• Can I certify a copy myself?
  • No. Certification requires a notary public or authorized person to verify the validity of the document. 

Relevant Blogs

• What Is online notarization?
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