Many people assume that an electronic signature and a notarized signature are the same — but they are not. While both are legally recognized in the United States, they serve very different purposes and are governed by different laws.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid rejected documents, legal delays, and costly re-signing.
What Is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature (e-signature) is a digital indication of a person’s intent to sign a document. This can include:
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Typing your name
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Clicking “I agree”
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Drawing your signature on a screen
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Using platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign
E-signatures are legally recognized under:
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The ESIGN Act (federal law)
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The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) (state law)
They are commonly used for contracts, agreements, and business documents.
What Is a Notarized Signature?
A notarized signature is a signature that has been verified and witnessed by a commissioned notary public.
During notarization, the notary:
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Verifies the signer’s identity
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Confirms willingness and awareness
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Witnesses the signature or confirms acknowledgment
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Applies an official seal and certificate
Notarization adds a layer of identity verification and fraud prevention — something an e-signature alone does not provide.
Why Electronic Signatures and Notarization Are Not the Same
An electronic signature:
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Confirms intent
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Does not verify identity
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Does not involve a neutral third party
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Does not prevent impersonation
A notarized signature:
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Confirms identity
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Requires a commissioned official
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Creates a legal record
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Adds evidentiary weight
Because of this, a document can be:
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Electronically signed but not notarized
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Notarized but not electronically signed
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Electronically signed and notarized (RON)
What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) combines electronic signatures and notarization.
With RON:
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Signers sign electronically
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Identity is verified through ID analysis and knowledge-based authentication
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The notary notarizes remotely via secure video
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The document receives an electronic notarial seal
RON is legally recognized in many U.S. states and accepted for many — but not all — documents.
When an Electronic Signature Alone Is Usually Enough
E-signatures may be sufficient for:
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Business contracts
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Employment agreements
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Internal company documents
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Vendor agreements
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Some financial forms
As long as the receiving party accepts electronic signatures.
When Notarization Is Required
Notarization is commonly required for:
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Real estate deeds
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Powers of attorney
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Affidavits
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Court filings
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Loan and mortgage documents
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Travel consent letters
In these cases, an electronic signature alone is not enough unless paired with RON.
Common Reasons Documents Get Rejected
Documents are often rejected when:
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A notarization is required but missing
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A signer used an e-signature where wet ink was required
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The document was e-signed before meeting the notary
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The receiving agency does not accept electronic records
Always confirm requirements before signing.
How to Choose the Right Option
Ask these questions:
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Does the document require notarization?
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Does the receiving agency accept electronic records?
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Is remote online notarization allowed for this document?
If the answer is unclear, ask the notary or receiving agency first.
Conclusion
Electronic signatures and notarized signatures are not the same — but they can work together. While e-signatures confirm intent, notarization confirms identity and protects against fraud. Choosing the wrong option can lead to rejected documents and delays.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we help clients determine whether electronic signatures, in-person notarization, or remote online notarization is the right solution — ensuring your documents are valid, secure, and accepted the first time.
