Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

Can I notarize multiple copies of the same document?

Is it okay to notarize multiple copies of the same document for a signer?G.H., New York

Yes, it is OK. You may notarize multiple copies of an original document provided that the signer’s signature on each copy is an original signature made in pen and ink and your notarization is “original” for each one.

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 consultants 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.

View All: Hotline Tips

19 Comments

Add your comment

Jacobie Dardy

08 Aug 2022

Looking to start my own business in notary

Jacobie Dardy

08 Aug 2022

Looking to make money signing documents online as well in my area

Jacobie Dardy

08 Aug 2022

Looking into my own buisness signing documents online and in my local area .

kimberlyj925@gmail.com

08 Aug 2022

looking to getting into notarizing loan documents any special course ?

National Notary Association

09 Aug 2022

Hello. The NNA offers training and certification for Notary Signing Agents. You can find more information here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/signing-agent-resources/notary-signing-agent-training

Luz Rose

08 Aug 2022

California. Can we attach 2 certificates for one doc? like a Jurat and Acknowledgment?

National Notary Association

09 Aug 2022

Hello. If you are requested to complete two separate notarial acts for the same document (for example, an acknowledgment and a jurat), and the document lacks the appropriate certificate wording, you may complete and attach the appropriate wording for each notarial act when performing the notarizations.

Johnny Compton

09 Aug 2022

It was taught to me by Paralegal school that only one original is permitted and that it has to be stamped original and all others stamped duplicate original and then signed and dated by notary alongside. Does this still apply or has it changed over time from early 1980's.

National Notary Association

09 Aug 2022

Hello. Notaries are not paralegals, so any procedures for paralegals would not necessarily apply to notarization requests. Notaries must follow their state's Notary laws and the guidelines set by their state Notary regulating agency.

Kristina Torreyson

09 Aug 2022

In the case above, do you have them sign your notarization book as many times as there are copies or just once since it’s the same document?

National Notary Association

09 Aug 2022

Hello. New York does not have statutory requirements to keep a journal for traditional notarizations. There is a temporary requirement effective through January 30, 2023 that a Notary Public who performs temporary remote notarizations must keep a journal of all such notarial acts: “The notary public must maintain a journal of each remote notarization performed pursuant to this section, which upon demand, shall be subject to inspection by the secretary of state” (Executive Law Section 135-c.2[h][2][i], effective through January 30, 2023). For each entry of a temporary remote notarial act effective through January 30, 2023, a Notary must (Executive Law Section 135-c.2[h][2][i]), effective through January 30, 2023): 1. Indicate the date and approximate time of the notarial act; 2. Indicate the name of the principal; 3. Indicate the technology used to perform the remote notarization; 4. Indicate the number and type of notarial services provided; and 5. Indicate the type of credential used to identify the principal. “Each journal entry shall … [b]e made contemporaneously with the performance of the notarial act” (Executive Law Section 135-c.2[h][2][i][1]), effective through January 30, 2023).

rbulger67@aol.com

14 Jul 2023

how long do we need to keep our notary books

National Notary Association

14 Jul 2023

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Julie

02 Oct 2023

I have a client who needs 4 of his signatures notarized. In the state of California do I give 4 different Acknowledgments?

National Notary Association

03 Oct 2023

Hello. Each signature notarized would be considered a separate notarial act.

Sue

05 Nov 2023

I am confused about how to charge. I am in Illinois. It says I can charge $5 for a notarial act. Does that mean if there are 5 pages to notarize, I can charge for each page? Or does that mean I can only charge a total of $5 for all 5 pages?

National Notary Association

07 Nov 2023

Hello. The maximum fee that may be charged by an Illinois Notary for any notarial act is $5 (5 ILCS 312/3-104[a]). You may charge up to $5 for each notarial act you perform.

Adrianna Miranda

20 Sep 2024

I'm in California, if the client has 4 of the exact same documents and I notarize each one, will I need to record it 4 separate times in my journal and have the client sign each time?

National Notary Association

20 Sep 2024

Hello. Yes, that's correct. For each signature you notarize, you will need to make a full journal entry and have the client sign each journal entry.

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close