A notary public or Justice of the Peace and a blockchain timestamp answer different questions. A notary confirms who signed something, or that a copy matches an original they were shown. A TimeBind proves that a specific digital file existed by a point in time and has not changed since.
| Notary or JP | TimeBinder | |
|---|---|---|
| What it confirms | Identity of signers; that a copy matches an original shown on the day | That a file existed no later than a time, and is unchanged since |
| Works with | Mainly paper documents and signatures | Any digital file: documents, photos, video, audio, code |
| Effort | Book a time and attend in person (some remote options exist) | Online, in minutes, any time |
| Cost | Notaries charge per appointment or document; JP services are usually free | Free plan available; paid plans from US$20 a month |
| Privacy | The witness sees the document | Files never leave your device; only a fingerprint is recorded |
| Checking later | Rely on the notary’s seal, signature and records | Re-check the file against the blockchain record |
| Proves authorship or truth? | Confirms signer identity, not content truth | No; timing and integrity only |
When you need a notary
- Documents for use overseas, including apostilles
- Statutory declarations and affidavits that must be witnessed
- Certified copies requested by a bank, court or agency
When a TimeBind helps
- Proving when photos, recordings or drafts existed
- Showing a contract, report or file has not been changed since a date
- Large or numerous digital files that a witness could never inspect
- Recording evidence quickly, before it can be challenged
What a TimeBind proves, and what it does not. A TimeBind proves that your file existed no later than the time it was recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, and that it has not changed since. It does not prove who created the file, that its contents are true, or that a court will admit it. It is independent evidence of timing to use alongside your other records, and it is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a notary prove when a digital file was created?
Not directly. A notary or Justice of the Peace can witness signatures and certify that a copy matches an original shown to them on a date. They do not check a digital file’s contents byte for byte later on.
Does a TimeBind replace a notary?
No. If a document must be witnessed, notarised or apostilled, you still need that. A TimeBind adds independent, checkable proof of when your digital files existed and that they are unchanged.
Can I use both?
Yes. For example, TimeBind the signed PDF after the notary appointment to show that the file you hold today is the same one that existed then.
Start free: your first Pooled TimeBind each month costs nothing.