Can I notarize an electronic signature? Yes, and here’s how

Can I notarize an electronic signature? The short answer is yes. Many contracts today are signed electronically, and notarization helps ensure those contracts hold up in court and meet regulatory standards.

Notarizing an electronic signature works differently than stamping paper, but the principle is the same: verify identity, confirm intent, and record the act for future reference. With clear rules in place across multiple jurisdictions, electronic notarization is becoming a trusted way to handle sensitive agreements.

See why businesses are rushing to SignTime’s feature-packed contract repository system.

What does notarizing a document mean?

Notarizing a document is the process of making a signature official. A notary public verifies that the person signing is who they claim to be and that they sign willingly. The notary also records the event and applies a seal that proves the process was carried out properly.

The steps usually include:

1. Checking the signer’s identification.
2. Confirming that the signer understands and agrees to the contents of the document.
3. Witnessing the act of signing.
4. Attaching the notarial seal, whether traditional or a digital notary stamp, and official record.
   

This process creates a layer of trust. It prevents disputes over whether the signature is valid and gives courts and regulators confidence that the agreement is genuine.

Why is notarizing important?

Notarization is important because it gives legal weight to a document. In many jurisdictions, certain contracts are not considered valid unless a notary confirms the signature. This includes agreements such as property transfers, wills, and loan documents.

It also acts as a safeguard against fraud. By verifying identity and intent, notarization reduces the risk of forged or coerced signatures. For businesses and individuals, this creates peace of mind that the contract will hold up if it is ever challenged.

Notarization also builds trust between counterparties. When both sides know the signatures have been verified, it makes the transaction smoother and the agreement more reliable.

What are electronic signatures?

An electronic signature is any digital mark that shows a person agrees to the contents of a document. Instead of pen and paper, the signer uses a computer, tablet, or phone to confirm intent. The technology makes it possible to sign and store contracts without printing or mailing.

There are several types of electronic signatures:

• A typed name entered into a digital document.
• A hand-drawn signature made with a stylus or mouse.
• A digital certificate backed by encryption.
• Cultural variations, such as the hanko stamp used in Japan.
  

Electronic signatures are governed by regulations that define how they are created and recognized. In the United States, the ESIGN Act and UETA set the rules. In Europe, eIDAS establishes standards, while PAdES ensures PDF-based signatures remain secure and verifiable. Other regions have their own laws, but most share the same goal: to make electronic signatures as reliable as handwritten ones.

Can you notarize an electronic signature?

Yes, you can notarize an electronic signature. The process follows the same principles as notarizing paper documents, but the tools are digital. A notary verifies identity, confirms intent, and applies an electronic seal to complete the act.

There are two main approaches:

• In-person electronic notarization: The signer meets a notary physically but signs using an electronic method.
• Remote online notarization: Identity is verified and the signing is witnessed through a secure video connection.
  

The legality of electronic notarization depends on local rules. Many regions already recognize it, while some still require in-person appearances. As laws continue to adapt, notarizing electronic signatures is becoming more widely accepted for sensitive agreements.

How do you notarize an electronic signature?

Notarizing an electronic signature follows a clear process. The notary confirms identity, observes the signing, and records the event with secure tools designed for digital use. This ensures the notarization carries the same legal force as paper-based methods.

The core steps usually include:

1. Verify the signer’s identity using government-issued ID or secure authentication methods.
2. Confirm that the signer understands and agrees to the contents of the document.
3. Witness the act of signing, either in person or over a secure video platform.
4. Record the notarization in an electronic journal, often with date, time, and method of verification.
5. Apply the notary’s digital seal to finalize the process.

How does notarization fit into contract lifecycle management?

Notarization is one step in the broader contract lifecycle. It typically comes after drafting, review, and approval, and before storage or execution of ongoing obligations. Integrating notarization ensures that contracts remain legally enforceable and compliant.

Key points include:

• Notarization provides an official record that can be stored in a contract repository.
• It creates an audit trail for legal and regulatory compliance.
• Digital notarization fits naturally with contract management systems, allowing automatic reminders for renewals or follow-up actions.
• Contracts like property agreements, loans, or corporate deals often require notarization to protect all parties.
  

By including notarization as part of the lifecycle, businesses can manage agreements more efficiently while reducing risk and ensuring validity throughout the contract’s life.

Benefits of notarizing digital contracts

Notarizing digital contracts adds legal strength and credibility. A notarized signature proves that the signer’s identity and intent were verified, making the contract more enforceable in disputes.

• Reduced risk of fraud: Notarization confirms the signer’s identity and intent, which helps prevent forged or coerced signatures.
• Increased trust: Both parties gain confidence that the contract is valid and enforceable.
• Regulatory compliance: Notarized contracts meet legal and regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions.
• Time and cost savings: Digital notarization eliminates the need for printing, mailing, and in-person visits.
• Remote and global compatibility: Notarization works with online and international agreements, supporting modern business practices.

SignTime electronic signatures can be notarized

SignTime makes it easy to create electronic signatures that can be notarized when required. Its multiple signature options—hand-drawn, typed, or hanko—meet different notarization needs.

Seamless integration with AI helps identify counterparties, key dates, and contract details, making notarization simpler and more accurate. Storing notarized contracts in SignTime’s repository ensures secure access, audit trails, and easy retrieval. SignTime’s global-ready system supports compliance with international and local regulations, helping businesses manage contracts anywhere.

By combining flexible e-signature options with robust contract management and notarization capabilities, SignTime helps companies streamline agreements, reduce risk, and maintain confidence in every digital contract. 

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