Can a signature on a deed be notarized remotely and then printed out to have an additional signature notarized in person afterward? — W.F., Indiana
You pose an interesting question. When remotely notarized, the deed is electronic, and the signatures of the grantor and Notary are electronic. Then, you ask if that electronic deed containing the electronic signatures of the first grantor and Notary can be papered out so that another grantor and Notary can sign the paper version with pen-and-ink signatures.
We have two thoughts on this. First, we wonder why the electronic deed couldn’t be remotely notarized for the second grantor in the same session with the same remote Notary or be remotely signed at a different session later. Remote notarization platforms generally can accomplish this.
Second, Indiana law has a procedure in which the electronic deed in this case can be papered out and certified by the Notary as a true and correct copy of the electronic deed. Presumably, this papered-out copy with the Notary’s copy certification certificate would go to the second Notary for the second notarization to be performed on paper.
Frankly, Indiana law does not address whether this is possible. It only contemplates a scenario in which a recorder cannot record the electronic deed and needs a paper version to admit for recording. Indiana law does not say whether the papered-out and copy-certified deed in this case can then be notarized a second time after it is certified as a true and correct copy of the original electronic deed.
For information on remote notarization procedures in other states, please visit the NNA Remote Notarization Resources page in our online Notary Knowledge Center.
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
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