Help! I lost my notarized document!

Sometimes we lose things. Even important things, like documents we've had notarized. This is a terrible feeling and you've probably wondered what you would do and one of the first things you'll ask yourself is, "Would the notary have a copy?"

Unfortunately, a notary does not keep copies of documents that have been notarized. In most cases, the only copy is the one you have, unless you've made copies. There's really no need for a notary to keep any copies of documents that have been completed, they are usually left at the table with the signers or, as in the case with mortgage documents, have been long mailed back to the servicer. 

It's very important to keep crucial documents in a safe place...a lockbox, a safe, a safety deposit box or, if an attorney was involved, with the attorney. Once the document or documents are lost, you'll have to redo the whole process. 

Now, I will say that when I have e-docs sent to me in any kind of loan process, as in the case of mortgages, I will have those copies. But they are unsigned and not notarized. I usually keep those copies for 30-90 days and then they are shredded.

Invest in a good safe or fireproof lockbox!