Can a Notary Notarize His or Her Own Signature?

Q: Can you notarize a document after it has been signed?

No, a notary cannot notarize a document after it has been signed unless the signer is present and acknowledges their signature at the time of notarization. The notary must witness the signing or the acknowledgment of the signature to ensure the notarization is valid.

Q: Can you sign and notarize the same document?

No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature on a document. This is considered a conflict of interest and can invalidate the notarization. The notary must remain impartial and cannot act as a notary for documents they are personally involved with.

Q: What voids a notarized document?

A notarized document can be voided if the notary fails to follow proper procedures, such as not verifying the identity of the signer or not being present during the signing. Additionally, if the document contains false information or is signed under duress, it may also be considered void.

Q: What makes a notarized document invalid?

A notarized document may be deemed invalid if the notary did not properly witness the signing, failed to verify the signer's identity, or did not complete the notarial certificate. Errors in the notary's signature or seal can also render the notarization invalid.

Full question:

Can a Landlord sign a legal document, then sign the same document as the Notary?

Category: Acknowledgments
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Massachusetts

Answer:

The purpose of notarizing a signature is to provide verification that the person that signed it was in fact the person they said they were. Therefore, a person cannot notarize one's own signature. It violates the rules and would be deemed inappropriate and would probably invalidate the signature.

The most basic requirement for performing a notarization is that the person who is taking an oath or making an acknowledgment (the one whose signature is being notarized) must be present at the time of the notarization. The presence requirement refers to physical presence.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes made by a notary is failing to verify the identity of the signer properly. Notaries must ensure that the signer presents valid identification and is physically present during the notarization. Additionally, notaries sometimes forget to complete the notarial certificate or fail to sign and seal the document correctly, which can lead to invalid notarizations.