A Clear Guide: Is a Copy of a Notarized Document Acceptable?
By NotaryLive Staff
Published on 03/01/2022
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?
- What are the benefits of notarizing online?
- Does my state allow remote online notarization?
- What are some of the most commonly notarized documents?
Updated Date: 12/13/2024