Faxing a notarized signature

I’m trying to send some papers to my ex-husband and his lawyer to be signed and notarized. Are the documents still legally binding if I fax them?


There are a couple of layers to this question. You CAN fax an unsigned document to your recipient and have him sign the document in front of a notary. The notary can then notarize the document and that will be legally binding.

What you CAN’T do is sign the document and then fax it. A document can only be notarized if it has an original signature. In most cases, the notary can only notarize a document if it’s signed in their presence as well.

Once you have the document notarized, faxing isn’t usually an option. Make a copy if you want one for your own records, but mail the original through one-day USPS services.

Do you have a question about faxing? Send me your fax question.Do you have a question about faxing? Send me your fax question.