Can I notarize a document that has previously been signed? — K.V., North Carolina
It depends on the type of notarization requested. For an acknowledgment, the document may be previously signed, and the signer must acknowledge to you that he or she signed the document and did so willingly [G.S.10B-3(1)].
However, if you are performing a jurat, the signer must sign the document in your presence. If they already signed the document, have them cross out the prior signature and sign again.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.