Digital or Paper? What You Get After Online Notarization

Notarization isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Gone are the days of driving across town, waiting in line, and signing papers in a stuffy office. Now, with Remote Online Notarization (RON), you can get your documents signed, sealed, and delivered without ever leaving your couch.

But once the webcam turns off and the session ends, most people ask the same thing: So… what do I actually get?

Is it a PDF? A printed copy? Something I can hand over to a bank or court?
Let’s clear that up because knowing what lands in your inbox (or mailbox) makes all the difference.

The Digital Nature of Remote Online Notarization (RON)

When you complete a notarization online, the resulting document is more than a scanned image with a signature. It’s a legally executed digital file embedded with metadata, cryptographic seals, and a verifiable audit trail. These documents typically come in PDF format, digitally signed by both the notary and the signer.

The technology behind RON ensures tamper-evident security. Any attempt to alter the file will render the notarial certificate invalid. This technological safeguard gives digital notarizations the same enforceability as their ink-on-paper counterparts.

What You’ll Receive After an Online Notary Session

Once the online notarization is complete, you’ll receive instant access to your notarized document. No waiting, no postage delays. The file is typically delivered via secure email link or uploaded to a client portal.
Common formats include:

• PDF (Portable Document Format): Easy to download, print, and share.
• Encrypted or locked copies: Ensures document integrity and data protection.
• Timestamped records: Adds a verifiable date and time for legal use.

In most cases, you can download your document immediately and use it as needed for business, legal, or personal purposes. 

When You Might Still Need a Physical Copy

Despite the broad acceptance of digital notarization, certain institutions may still request a hard copy. These include:

• Older court systems with outdated filing protocols
• Foreign governments requiring apostilles or consular legalization
• Certain title companies or lenders requesting original “wet” signatures

In these scenarios, you can ask your notary for a printed, physically signed version to be mailed to you. Some services include Canada Post or courier options for expedited delivery. 

How Notable Notary Simplifies the Delivery Process

Notable Notary enhances the entire client experience by making document delivery seamless. Here’s how:

• Instant Digital Access: Documents are automatically emailed or uploaded to your secure client portal within minutes of notarization.
• Cloud Storage: Files are safely archived, so you never lose access—no more rummaging through emails or hard drives.
• Optional Mail-Out Service: Need a physical copy? Notable Notary offers Canada Post and express delivery of hard copies upon request.

With Notable Notary, there’s no guesswork! Just reliable, efficient service from notarization to delivery.

Understanding whether you’ll receive a digital or paper copy after your online notarization is key to avoiding delays or complications. In most cases, the digitally notarized PDF is all you need—instantly delivered, legally valid, and securely stored. But if you ever need a paper copy, reputable platforms like Notable Notary make it easy to request one.

📞 Call: (289) 312 6678
 🌐 Book Online: notablenotary.ca/book-now
📧 Email: info@notablenotary.ca

Enjoy notary services designed to fit seamlessly into your life.