A remote online notarization usually creates an electronic original. Printing that file makes a paper copy; it does not automatically create a wet-ink original.
Published and reviewed by iRemoteNotary
Last reviewed September 18, 2026
After a remote online notarization, you typically receive an electronic original—an electronically signed and electronically notarized record. You can usually download and print that file as a paper copy for delivery or records.
A printout is not automatically a wet-ink original. Wet-ink means a handwritten signature on paper. If the recipient requires wet-ink originals or a certified tangible-copy process, confirm that requirement before choosing remote online notarization—or plan a separate paper execution path afterward.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Electronic original | The electronically signed and electronically notarized record produced by the RON session |
| Printed paper copy | A printout of the electronic original; useful for delivery, but still a copy of an electronic record |
| Wet-ink signature | A handwritten signature physically applied to paper |
| Certified / attested paper output | A paper copy or printout that a notary attests as a true copy or printout when state law authorizes that act |
This article answers a post-session question: what exactly do you have after online notarization, and can you turn it into paper or wet ink?
It is different from the choose-method guide for international signers. If you still need to decide whether to use remote online notarization or a wet-ink process before signing, start with wet-ink vs online notarization for international signers. Use this page after the online session—or when you need to understand paper-output options before booking.
A completed remote online notarization typically produces an electronic notarized record: the document content, the signer’s electronic signature, the notary’s electronic signature or seal, and integrity features required by the governing online-notarization rules.
You ordinarily download that electronic original as a PDF or similar file. Session recordings and notary journal entries are separate records and are not the same thing as the notarized document itself.
Online notarization is performed under the law of the online notary’s commissioning state. That law governs how the electronic notarial act is completed; it does not automatically rewrite every recipient’s paper or wet-ink preference.
You can usually print the electronic original and mail, hand-deliver, or file that paper copy when the recipient accepts it.
Printing does not convert electronic signatures into handwritten wet-ink signatures. The paper shows images of electronic signatures and notarial certificates; it does not recreate the physical act of signing with ink on an original paper instrument.
Do not label a printout as a “wet-ink original” unless the recipient’s instructions specifically treat that printout as acceptable and you understand what they mean. Casual wording causes rejection.
| What you have | What it is | What it is not |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic original PDF | Primary electronic notarized record from the RON session | A handwritten paper original |
| Printed PDF | Paper copy / printout of the electronic record | Automatically a wet-ink original or recording-ready instrument |
| Attested/certified printout (when authorized) | Paper output with a separate notarial attestation of trueness under applicable law | The same thing as re-signing in wet ink |
| New wet-ink execution | Separate paper signing and notarization path | Created by printing the RON PDF |
Some jurisdictions authorize a notary to supervise making a copy of a tangible or electronic record, or printing an electronic record, and to attest that the copy or printout is true and unaltered—subject to statutory limits.
Under Florida Statutes § 117.05(12), a Florida notary may supervise the making of a copy of a tangible or electronic record, or the printing of an electronic record, and attest to the trueness of the copy or printout, with exclusions for vital records and certain public records that can be certified by the official custodian. The statute also provides specific certificate language for printouts.
That attested-copy or attested-printout act is not the same as claiming the printout is a wet-ink signed original. It also does not guarantee that a recorder, bank, court, or foreign authority will accept the paper package.
Availability, wording, and acceptance depend on commissioning-state law and the recipient. Ask whether the recipient wants (a) the electronic original, (b) an ordinary printout, (c) an attested/certified tangible copy or printout, or (d) a new wet-ink signing.
Common reasons a recipient asks for paper or wet ink after—or instead of—RON include:
For recording-office and court acceptance questions, see remote notarization clerk and court acceptance. For bank acceptance, see will banks accept remote online notarization.
Often yes, if the recipient accepts a mailed printout or attested paper package. Confirm whether they want the electronic file emailed or uploaded, a printed copy mailed, both, or a wet-ink original instead.
Mailing a printout does not upgrade its legal character. Delivery method and document format are separate issues. See also can I email an online notarized document.
If the recipient rejects the electronic original and any printout path, you may need a separate paper execution and notarization. That is a new signing event—not a conversion of the existing electronic signatures into wet ink.
Do not assume every online-notarized document can be converted into a legally equivalent wet-ink original. Do not assume a printed RON document is always recordable. Do not assume every recipient must accept the electronic original.
If a package was rejected, use a structured remediation path: rejected online notarized document guide.
If the receiving organization accepts remote online notarization and electronic originals for your document, you can start a secure video session.
You typically receive an electronic original—an electronically signed and electronically notarized document file—plus any platform download instructions. That electronic record is the primary notarized output of the session.
No. Printing creates a paper copy or printout of the electronic record. Wet-ink means handwritten signatures on paper. A printout does not automatically become a wet-ink original.
A remote online notarization session produces an electronic original. Mailing a printout is mailing a paper copy of that electronic record. Creating a true wet-ink original generally requires a separate paper signing and notarization path if the recipient requires handwritten originals.
No. Recorders, title companies, banks, courts, and other recipients set their own format rules. Ask whether they accept the electronic original, a printout, an attested tangible copy, or wet-ink paper.
The wet-ink vs online guide helps you choose an execution method before signing. This article explains what paper and wet-ink options exist after—or instead of relying on—an online notarization’s electronic original. See wet-ink vs online notarization.
The following primary sources support the legal and procedural information in this guide. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the receiving organization before relying on a notarized document.
15 U.S.C. § 7001 — General rule of validity(opens in a new tab)
U.S. House / Office of the Law Revision Counsel
Accessed September 18, 2026
Florida Statutes § 117.05(12) — Attested copies and printouts(opens in a new tab)
Florida Legislature
Accessed September 18, 2026
Florida Statutes § 117.021 — Electronic notarization(opens in a new tab)
Florida Legislature
Accessed September 18, 2026
Florida Statutes § 117.265 — Online Notarization Procedures(opens in a new tab)
Florida Legislature
Accessed September 18, 2026
Remote Online Notary Public(opens in a new tab)
Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
Accessed September 18, 2026
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (2021)(opens in a new tab)
Uniform Law Commission
Accessed September 18, 2026
Before booking, confirm that the receiving organization will accept remote online notarization—and the electronic or paper format you plan to deliver—for your specific document.