Being asked to re-sign a document can feel frustrating — especially if you’re sure you already signed it correctly. But when a notary asks for a new signature, it’s usually to protect you, not inconvenience you.
Here’s why re-signing is sometimes required and how it helps ensure your document is legally valid and accepted.
The Most Common Reason: The Notary Did Not Witness the Signature
For many notarial acts, the notary must either:
-
Witness the signature being made, or
-
Receive an acknowledgment from the signer that they signed the document voluntarily
If you signed before meeting the notary and the document requires a witnessed signature, the notary must ask you to sign again.
1. The Signature Was Done in the Wrong Place
Notaries must ensure signatures appear:
-
In the correct location
-
Exactly as required by the document
-
Without crossing into margins or certificate areas
If the signature placement is incorrect, re-signing may be required.
2. Dates Don’t Match or Are Missing
A mismatch between:
-
The signing date
-
The notarial certificate date
-
The document’s effective date
can cause rejection. If dates are incorrect or missing, the notary may ask you to re-sign with corrected dates.
3. The Document Was Changed After Signing
If any changes were made after you signed — even minor ones — the original signature may no longer be valid.
Examples include:
-
Corrected names
-
Added pages
-
Revised clauses
-
Updated attachments
In these cases, re-signing ensures the signature applies to the final version.
4. Name Doesn’t Match the ID
If your signature reflects a name that does not reasonably match your ID:
-
Maiden vs. married name
-
Nicknames
-
Initials instead of full name
the notary may require a corrected signature that matches your ID.
5. Legal or Agency Requirements Changed
Some documents are rejected unless:
-
A fresh signature is present
-
The notarization date is recent
-
The document reflects updated requirements
When this happens, re-signing avoids downstream rejection.
6. Poor Signature Quality or Smudging
If a signature is:
-
Illegible
-
Smudged
-
Cut off during scanning
-
Not clear on the page
a re-signature may be required to ensure clarity and acceptance.
What Notaries Are Not Allowed to Do
A notary cannot:
-
Guess when you signed
-
Backdate a notarization
-
Alter a signed document
-
Ignore legal defects
Re-signing is often the only lawful solution.
Why Re-Signing Protects You
Re-signing helps:
-
Prevent document rejection
-
Avoid fraud allegations
-
Ensure court acceptance
-
Maintain legal integrity
-
Protect both signer and notary
How to Avoid Being Asked to Re-Sign
Before your appointment:
-
Do not sign until instructed
-
Bring valid ID
-
Review your document for errors
-
Ask if witnesses are required
-
Confirm whether the signature must be witnessed
Conclusion
When a notary asks you to re-sign a document, it’s not a mistake — it’s a safeguard. Re-signing ensures your document is legally valid, properly executed, and accepted without delay.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we take the time to explain why re-signing is needed and guide clients through the process smoothly — whether in person, mobile, or online.
