Will My Document Be Accepted?

Overview

This article provides resources for authenticating notarized documents. Read this article if:

• You're concerned about your document being accepted after online notarization.
• The recipient asked for more information or rejected a notarized document. 

If you're looking for more information about documents that can be notarized on the Proof platform, read Documents that can be notarized using Proof.

Resources to Help the Recipient

If you wish to determine the authenticity of a signature, follow the instructions to Validate a Document Completed on Proof before opening the notarized document in your PDF reader.

Each state has specific statutes providing for recognizing and accepting key documents notarized by commissioned notaries in other states. 

A Short History of Online Notarization

In 2012, the Commonwealth of Virginia adopted Virginia Code Sections 47.1 and following, allowing appropriately commissioned Virginia notaries to notarize documents where the signer appears before the notary via live audio-video technology. In accordance with this law, Proof is a remote electronic notary public platform enabling Virginia notaries to notarize documents for use in Virginia and in states across the country. Every state provides legal authority for recognition and acceptance of common out-of-state notarizations, and our customers use documents notarized by e-notaries in a host of cities and states. In addition to laws in each state recognizing and accepting common out-of-state notarizations, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution may provide an additional basis for states to accept other states’ notarizations.

Documents notarized on the Proof platform are electronically signed by the signer(s) and a notary from the Notarize Network. Certain states and public agencies have specific additional requirements and limitations for accepting electronically signed documents and out-of-state notarizations, and not all documents may be electronically signed. You should contact the agency that will receive your e-signed and e-notarized document to ensure your document will be acceptable for its intended use. Of course, please reach out to us with any questions at support@proof.com.

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