PDF for notarial documents: what requirements must it meet?

2 min read·25 July 2026

Notarial documents have strict PDF quality requirements. Learn which settings are mandatory, how to flatten a PDF and how to correctly place a legally valid signature.

Why PDF quality matters for notarial deeds

For notarial deeds — purchase agreements, wills, powers of attorney — the rule is that documents must not be modifiable after signing. An editable PDF provides insufficient legal certainty. Notaries typically require PDF/A format (archival) or at minimum a flattened, non-editable document with a legally valid electronic signature.

Flatten: making a PDF non-editable

Flattening merges all layers, form fields and annotations into a single flat image layer. After flattening nobody can edit text, fill form fields or add comments. Use the Flatten tool on PDFrust to create a flattened document suitable for archiving and legal purposes.

Flatten PDF

Try for free — no account needed

Try it now →

Adding an electronic signature

Add an electronic signature with the Sign tool on PDFrust. Upload your signature as an image (transparent PNG) or draw it directly in the app. Position the signature on the correct page. Note: an image of a signature is a simple electronic signature (SES); for legally valid qualified electronic signatures (QES) you need additional verification software such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign.

Remove metadata for privacy

PDF metadata can contain the author name, edit date and software information. For legal documents shared with third parties it is prudent to clear or edit metadata. Use the Metadata tool on PDFrust to edit or remove fields.

Checklist: PDF for notarial purposes

Use this checklist before sending a PDF to a notary: document fully completed and reviewed; form fields flattened; electronic signature placed on the correct page; metadata checked and cleared if needed; file size acceptable (most notaries accept max 10 MB via email); filename contains no special characters.