Notary Fees in Pennsylvania: How Notarization Pricing Works
If you need a document notarized in Pennsylvania, it’s helpful to understand how notary pricing works. Notary fees in the state are regulated by law, but the total cost can vary depending on the type of service provided, travel requirements, and whether the notarization is completed in person or online.
State-Regulated Notary Fees
Pennsylvania sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge for performing a notarial act. Under the Pennsylvania Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), the standard fee for most notarizations is typically up to $5 per notarial act.
A notarial act may include:
Acknowledgments
Jurats (oaths or affirmations)
Verifications
Witnessing signatures
Certifying copies
If a document requires multiple notarizations, the notary may charge the fee for each act performed.
Additional Fees for Mobile Notary Services
Many notaries in Pennsylvania offer mobile notary services, where the notary travels to the client’s home, office, hospital, or another location. While the notarization fee itself is capped by state law, notaries may charge an additional travel fee for their time and mileage.
Travel fees are not set by the state and may vary depending on:
Distance traveled
Time of day
Urgent or after-hours appointments
Parking or toll expenses
Mobile notary services are especially useful for individuals who cannot travel or for businesses that require notarizations on-site.
Remote Online Notary Pricing
Pennsylvania also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), which enables documents to be notarized through a secure video session. Online notarization platforms may charge technology or convenience fees in addition to the standard notarial act fee.
Remote notarization is often chosen because it allows clients to complete notarizations quickly from anywhere with an internet connection.
Loan Signing and Specialized Services
Some notaries specialize in loan signing services for real estate transactions. In these cases, pricing is typically negotiated with title companies or signing services and may include fees for printing documents, travel, and document handling.
Because these assignments involve large document packages and additional responsibilities, fees are usually higher than standard notarizations.
Understanding Notary Pricing in Pennsylvania
Reputable notaries should clearly explain their pricing before performing a notarization. Clients should understand both the state-regulated notarial act fee and any additional service charges that may apply.
Understanding how notary pricing works helps individuals and businesses plan for the cost of notarizing important documents while ensuring the process remains transparent and compliant with Pennsylvania law.
Notary Services in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
If you need professional notary services in Pennsylvania, Davenport Notary Services provides reliable and convenient notarization options.
Services include:
General Notary Services
Mobile Notary Appointments
Remote Online Notarization
Loan Signing Services
Apostille Processing
Davenport Notary Services serves individuals and businesses throughout Lycoming County and surrounding areas, offering both in-office and mobile appointments as well as secure online notarizations.
📞 Call or Text: 272-209-2595
🌐 Schedule Online: https://notaryinpa.com/appointments
Whether you need a single document notarized or assistance with more complex transactions, professional notary services can help ensure your documents are completed correctly and efficiently.
Pennsylvania Notarial Law and Remote Online Notarization
This is a summary of Pennsylvania’s Notarial Law (RULONA.) Nothing in this article constitutes as legal advice. It is just a summary of law current as of 03/08/2026.
Main points to keeps in mind:
Treat “personal appearance” and “identity” as the two non‑negotiables: do not proceed until you can document the appearance modality (in‑person vs remote under § 306.1) and the identification method under § 307 (or the remote identity alternatives).
Complete the certificate contemporaneously and fully; remember that by signing the certificate the notary is certifying compliance with key statutory duties (including conflict-of-interest rules and personal appearance).
Keep exclusive custody and control of your journal and stamping device; do not allow staff to “help” by making entries or using your stamp, because Pennsylvania law treats those tools as notary‑controlled and record integrity becomes critical when acts are challenged.
For RON: build a retention and retrieval plan before your first remote act—know who stores the audio‑visual recording, how you can retrieve it, and how long it must be kept (at least 10 years, absent a longer regulatory period).
Prepare now for the March 28, 2026 regulatory effective date: if you are renewing or starting a new commission on/after that date, confirm the bond amount and stamp format requirements and ensure your operational templates (certificates, ID capture practices, journal fields, privacy redactions) match the new regulations.
Pennsylvania’s core notary law is the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), codified primarily in Title 57, Chapter 3, with major operational requirements around personal appearance, identity verification, notarial certificates, seals/stamps, and journals.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is a permanent part of Pennsylvania law (added by Act 97 of 2020), but it is layered on top of the same “core” notarization concepts: identify the signer, ensure the correct notarial act is performed, complete a compliant certificate, make journal entries, and keep required records. RON adds statutory requirements for audio‑visual communication, audio‑visual recording retention, and remote identity methods (personal knowledge, credible witness, or multi‑factor “identity proofing”).
Final-form regulations fully implementing RULONA have been approved and are slated to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on March 28, 2026, becoming effective that same date. Among the most practical impacts for working notaries are (1) a higher bond amount for newly appointed/reappointed notaries, and (2) updated operational standards in areas like identification, journal handling, privacy of personally identifiable information, and remote/electronic notarization workflows.
This report is general information for professional audiences and not legal advice. Where the law leaves discretion (for example, what is “satisfactory” ID beyond the listed ID types), this report flags the ambiguity and focuses on conservative compliance practices.
Governing sources for Pennsylvania notaries
The primary legal source is Title 57, Chapter 3 (RULONA) as published by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The statute covers: who may be commissioned, what acts are authorized, the “personal appearance” rule, identification standards, certificate and seal rules, journal rules, and discipline/sanctions.
RULONA is implemented and supplemented through Pennsylvania Department of State rules and published regulations. RULONA expressly authorizes the Department to promulgate regulations to implement the chapter, with a technology‑neutral principle for electronic notarization rules.
RON is expressly statutory: the key enabling language and requirements are in 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1, which also directs the Department to promulgate regulations establishing standards for communication technology, identity proofing (including credential analysis and dynamic KBA as examples), provider approval processes, and recording retention periods.
From an administrative “source of truth” perspective, Pennsylvania Bulletin publication matters because final-form regulations become effective as prescribed in the rulemaking (and, for the 2026 RULONA regulations, the Department has announced an effective date tied to publication). The final-form notary regulations were approved after review by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and legislative committees, and are slated for publication and effectiveness on March 28, 2026.
Commissioning, bonding, and renewal requirements
RULONA sets baseline eligibility. In general, an applicant must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, live in or have employment/practice in Pennsylvania, be able to read/write English, not be disqualified under the sanctions section, pass the required exam, and comply with any additional Department requirements by regulation.
Education and testing are statutory. A first‑time applicant must pass an exam and, within the six months immediately preceding application, complete at least three hours of Department‑approved basic education that includes duties/responsibilities and electronic notarization. Renewals require at least three hours of Department‑approved continuing education within the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.
Operationally, Pennsylvania ties commissioning to “recording” steps at the county level. After appointment and before entering duties, the notary must obtain a surety bond and execute an oath/affirmation of office, and within 45 days record the bond, oath, and commission with the county recorder of deeds (and register the official signature in the appropriate county office within statutory timeframes). Failure to comply can render the commission “null and void” under the statute.
Bonding is a statutory requirement, with the statute specifying $10,000 or an amount set by Department regulation. As a recent regulatory development, the Department has announced that new notary regulations will take effect March 28, 2026 and will increase the bond amount from $10,000 to $25,000 for notaries newly appointed or reappointed on or after that date, while allowing notaries with a current commission on March 28, 2026 to continue using their existing bond until that commission expires.
A notable statutory update within the last five years: § 321 reflects a 2022 amendment (Act 154) affecting the official signature registration provisions, emphasizing that Pennsylvania’s notary commissioning mechanics can change through targeted statutory edits even when the broader RULONA framework remains stable.
Fees are regulated. RULONA requires the Department to “fix” notary fees by regulation and prohibits charging more than the set maximum (while allowing a notary to waive fees). The Department also requires compliance practices like posting or disclosing fees in the manner set out in the statute and implementing regulations/guidance.
Core duties, notarial acts, and identification standards
Pennsylvania frames notaries as public‑trust actors focused on identity verification and fraud reduction, with service functions like witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and certifying copies as part of daily practice.
RULONA’s “requirements for certain notarial acts” section is important because it defines what the notary must determine for common acts. For an acknowledgment, the notary must determine the signer’s identity and that the signature is the signer’s. For verifications on oath/affirmation (jurat‑style acts), the notary likewise determines identity and signature authenticity for the statement being verified. Similar identity/signature determinations apply when witnessing or attesting a signature, while copy certifications require determining the copy is complete and accurate.
Personal appearance is the default rule: if the notarial act relates to a statement made in, or signature executed on, a record, the signer must “appear personally” before the notarial officer. RON is the key statutory exception mechanism: a remotely located individual may satisfy the personal appearance requirement through communication technology under § 306.1 (but only if all conditions in that section are met).
Identity standards are comparatively clear in statute. A notarial officer has “satisfactory evidence” of identity via a current, unexpired passport/driver’s license/government nondriver ID, or another current government ID that includes a signature or photo and is “satisfactory” to the notarial officer. Alternatively, identity may be established by a credible witness who personally appears and is personally known to the notarial officer, through a verification on oath or affirmation. The notarial officer may also require additional information or credentials, which is an express statutory discretion.
Notaries are not required to proceed with every request. RULONA authorizes refusal if the notary is not satisfied about capacity/competence, voluntariness, ID signature conformity, or physical appearance conformity with the photo ID.
Conflict-of-interest limits matter. A notarial officer may not notarize a record where the officer or the officer’s spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest, with the statute also recognizing that not every relationship to the transaction is disqualifying (for example, ordinary salary not tied to a transaction is treated differently than transaction‑specific gain).
Required elements for a valid notarization in Pennsylvania
Authority to act
Active commission; comply with appointment/bond/oath/recording rules
57 Pa.C.S. § 321
No disqualifying interest
Do not notarize when notary or spouse has a direct/pecuniary interest
57 Pa.C.S. § 304
Personal appearance
In-person appearance is required unless a statutory exception applies
57 Pa.C.S. § 306; § 306.1
Identity verification
Use personal knowledge, qualifying ID, or credible witness; may require additional credentials
57 Pa.C.S. § 307
Act-specific determinations
Ensure the required determinations (e.g., identity + signature authenticity) match the act performed
57 Pa.C.S. § 305
Certificate completion
Certificate must be contemporaneous, signed/dated, include county/state and officer title (and commission expiry for notaries)
57 Pa.C.S. § 315
Seal/stamp or secure electronic association
Tangible records require an official stamp near signature; electronic records require compliant attachment/association
57 Pa.C.S. § 315(b); § 317; § 320
Journal and (for RON) recording retention
Make contemporaneous journal entry; deliver journal on termination; retain RON recordings for at least 10 years
57 Pa.C.S. § 319; § 306.1(e)
Certificates, seals, journals, and recordkeeping
RULONA treats the notarial certificate as the formal evidence of the act. The certificate must be executed contemporaneously, signed and dated by the notarial officer, identify the county and state of performance, and contain the officer’s title; where the officer is a notary public, the certificate must also indicate the commission expiration date and the notary must sign exactly as commissioned (or execute an attributable electronic signature).
For tangible-paper notarizations by a notary, an official stamp must be affixed near the notary’s signature in a form capable of photographic reproduction. On electronic records, RULONA allows the stamp to be attached to or logically associated with the certificate.
Seal requirements for Pennsylvania paper notarizations are unusually specific: the seal must be a rubber stamp, limited to 1 inch high by 3.5 inches wide, and contain specified text in a particular order (including “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” “Notary Seal,” the notary name and “Notary Public,” county of office, and commission expiration, plus any other information required by the Department).
The stamping device is a security‑controlled tool: the notary is responsible for it, may not allow another person to use it for a notarial act, and must disable it when the commission ends; the notary must promptly notify the Department if it is lost or stolen.
Pennsylvania requires a journal for all notarial acts, with minimum content and format rules. Journal entries must be made contemporaneously and include the date/time, record description and act type, full name and address of each principal, method of identification (or a statement of personal knowledge), and fee charged. The journal can be a bound register with numbered pages or a tamper‑evident electronic format.
On loss/theft, the notary must notify the Department. On termination (expiration, resignation, or revocation), the journal must be delivered to the county recorder of deeds within 30 days; similar delivery duties apply on death or adjudication of incompetency. The journal is the notary’s exclusive property and cannot be used by others or surrendered to an employer upon employment termination.
Beginning with the March 28, 2026 RULONA‑implementing regulations, Pennsylvania’s regulatory framework also becomes more explicit about public interactions with journals (inspection and certified copies), and about privacy boundaries around personally identifiable information in journal entries. For example, the final-form rulemaking materials describe prohibiting inclusion of any portion of an individual’s Social Security number in the journal and define personally identifiable information to include items like full driver’s license numbers and dates/places of birth.
Remote online notarization in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s RON statute (57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1) is built on a clear concept: the notary can satisfy “personal appearance” through communication technology where the signer is remotely located, but only if the statute’s conditions are met.
Key statutory requirements include:
The notary must be located in Pennsylvania and must identify the remotely located individual using one of the permitted methods: personal knowledge, credible witness (oath/affirmation), or at least two different identity proofing processes/services.
The notary must reasonably identify the record as the same record in which the signer made the statement or executed the signature.
The notary (or a person acting on the notary’s behalf) must create an audio‑visual recording of the notarial act, including all interactions between notary and signer.
The audio‑visual recording must be retained for at least 10 years (or as otherwise required by regulation).
The notarial certificate must indicate that the act was performed using communication technology (including a statutorily suggested statement).
Additional limitations apply when the remotely located individual is outside the United States: the record must have a U.S. nexus (filing, jurisdiction, property, or transaction connection) and the signing/statement must not be prohibited by the foreign state where the signer is located.
Statute also defines core RON terms. For example, “communication technology” must allow simultaneous sight‑and‑sound communication and require reasonable accommodations for individuals with certain impairments, while “identity proofing” is a third‑party process/service using public or private data sources to verify identity.
The new comprehensive regulations (effective March 28, 2026) are designed to operationalize the statutory delegation. They define a “remote notarization technology provider” as a provider of communication technology and identity proofing approved by the Department, require notaries to notify the Department (through the notaries portal) before acting as remote notaries, and set more detailed technology standards (for example, baseline compliance with federal/state law and functional requirements for the communication technology used).
Pennsylvania describes RON adoption as phased: electronic notarization dates to 2006 (program establishment), while remote notarization accelerated in 2020 and became permanent with Act 97 of 2020 (effective October 29, 2020).
The milestones above are drawn from Department guidance and Pennsylvania’s regulatory record (including Pennsylvania Bulletin publication history and approval orders).
Federal and cross-border considerations, including apostilles
Notarization “interacts” with federal and international practice in two main ways: (1) recognition of acts performed under other legal authorities, and (2) authentication/apostille workflows for documents used abroad.
RULONA recognizes certain notarial acts performed outside Pennsylvania, including acts performed in another state, under the authority of a federally recognized tribe, under federal authority, and (with conditions) foreign notarial acts. These provisions generally give such acts the same effect under Pennsylvania law as if performed by an authorized Pennsylvania notarial officer, and specify evidentiary rules (prima facie evidence and conclusive determination) for signatures/titles.
For documents bound for use outside the United States, Pennsylvania’s Department of State offers document authentication services (apostille or certification/document certification). The Department’s public guidance distinguishes what it can answer (Pennsylvania processes) and points users to the U.S. Department of State for legalization of federal documents such as FBI background checks.
At the federal level, the U.S. State Department’s Office of Authentications explains the apostille/authentication distinction (Hague‑Convention country vs non‑Convention country). It also provides guidance emphasizing that “state documents” are handled through the issuing state’s competent authority, while certain documents signed by federal officials or military notaries/judge advocates belong in the federal apostille/authentication workflow.
The Hague Conference on Private International Law maintains country‑level listings of “competent authorities” for apostilles and notes, for example, that the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications issues apostilles for documents issued by federal agencies, while state‑issued public documents are apostillized by designated authorities within those jurisdictions.
Enforcement, recent developments, and compliance tips
Pennsylvania’s Department of State has broad disciplinary authority under RULONA. It may deny, refuse to renew, revoke, suspend, reprimand, or impose conditions on a commission for acts or omissions showing the notary lacks honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability; the statute also authorizes an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 per violating act/omission (and for performing a notarial act without being properly commissioned).
RULONA also lists “prohibited acts” that matter for small‑business notaries, including that a notary commission does not authorize practicing law, giving legal advice, or acting as an immigration consultant or representative in immigration proceedings—areas where marketing language and customer expectations can create compliance risk.
Recent court opinions illustrate that notarization compliance can have high‑stakes downstream effects even when the notary is not the “main actor” in a transaction. For example, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in In re Joseph L. Koepfinger emphasized that certain instruments (there, a power of attorney) must be executed in conformity with statutory requirements that include acknowledgment before a notary public; nonconforming execution can render the instrument void ab initio, with cascading effects on transactions taken under that purported authority.
Likewise, a non‑precedential 2025 opinion by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania discussed reliability problems where a notary journal entry was made by someone other than the notary (highlighting how journal integrity expectations can become evidentiary issues in contested matters).
5 Reasons to Use a Remote Online Notary in Pennsylvania
Remote Online Notarization (RON) is quickly becoming one of the most convenient ways to notarize documents in Pennsylvania. Instead of traveling to meet a notary in person, you can connect with a Pennsylvania Remote Online Notary through a secure video session and complete the process entirely online.
For individuals, businesses, and real estate professionals, online notarization in Pennsylvania offers several major advantages.
1. Convenience from Anywhere
One of the biggest benefits of using a Remote Online Notary in Pennsylvania is convenience. As long as you have an internet connection and a valid government-issued ID, you can notarize documents from anywhere.
Whether you are at home, in the office, or traveling, online notarization eliminates the need to schedule an in-person meeting or travel to a notary office.
2. Advanced Security and Fraud Prevention
Remote Online Notarization platforms provide stronger identity verification than traditional notarizations.
Most platforms use multiple security layers including:
Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)
Credential analysis of your ID
Multi-factor identity verification
Recorded video sessions
Each notarization session is recorded and stored along with an electronic journal, creating a detailed audit trail.
3. Faster Document Processing
With online notarization, documents can be notarized in minutes instead of hours or days.
This is especially useful for:
Real estate documents
Power of attorney forms
business agreements
affidavits and legal paperwork
Faster processing means transactions can move forward without unnecessary delays.
4. Lower Costs and Greater Efficiency
Remote Online Notarization eliminates the need for travel, printing, mailing, and overnight shipping.
For businesses, lenders, and individuals, this often results in lower costs and faster turnaround times while simplifying the notarization process.
5. Improved Accuracy and Document Integrity
Digital notarization platforms guide signers through each step of the process. This helps reduce common errors such as missed signatures or incomplete forms.
Documents are also tamper-evident, meaning any changes made after signing are detectable.
Schedule a Remote Online Notary in Pennsylvania
If you need a Remote Online Notary in Pennsylvania, Davenport Notary Services provides secure and convenient online notarization services.
Notarize your documents securely, quickly, and without leaving home.
What Documents Can Be Notarized Online in Pennsylvania?
Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows many types of documents to be notarized securely through a live audio-video session with a Pennsylvania commissioned notary. Instead of meeting in person, signers can verify their identity online and complete the notarization from anywhere with an internet connection. This convenient option is becoming increasingly popular for individuals, businesses, and legal professionals.
Common Documents That Can Be Notarized Online
Many of the same documents that are traditionally notarized in person can also be notarized online in Pennsylvania. Some of the most common include:
Power of Attorney Documents
A Power of Attorney allows someone to act on your behalf for financial, legal, or medical matters. These documents frequently require notarization and can often be completed quickly through Remote Online Notarization.
Affidavits and Sworn Statements
Affidavits are written statements made under oath and commonly used in legal proceedings. Online notarization allows individuals to sign these documents without traveling to a notary office.
Real Estate Documents
Many real estate transactions now use Remote Online Notarization. Documents such as deeds, refinancing paperwork, and certain mortgage documents may be notarized online depending on the lender and transaction requirements.
Business Agreements
Contracts, partnership agreements, and corporate authorization forms can often be notarized online to streamline business transactions.
Parental Consent and Travel Authorization Forms
Parents often need notarized permission forms when a child travels internationally or with another adult. Online notarization makes it easy to complete these forms quickly.
Documents That May Require In-Person Notarization
While many documents can be notarized online, some may still require an in-person notarization depending on the document type, recording requirements, or agency rules. Examples may include certain government forms or documents requiring physical witnesses.
Remote Online Notary Services in Pennsylvania
Remote Online Notarization offers a secure and efficient way to complete important documents without leaving home. By verifying identity through secure authentication and recording the notarization session, RON provides both convenience and strong fraud prevention.
For individuals and businesses needing fast and secure notarization, Remote Online Notarization is a modern solution for handling important paperwork in Pennsylvania.
What to Look for When Choosing a Notary Public
It All Begins Here
When you need an important document notarized, choosing the right notary public can make a significant difference in ensuring the process is smooth, secure, and legally compliant. Notaries play a critical role in verifying identities, preventing fraud, and ensuring documents are properly executed. Before selecting a notary, there are several key factors to consider.
Proper Commission and Credentials
The first thing to verify is that the notary is properly commissioned by their state. A commissioned notary has completed the required training and authorization to perform notarizations legally. In Pennsylvania, for example, notaries must meet state requirements and maintain an active commission to perform notarizations.
Some notaries also pursue additional certifications or training, especially if they handle specialized work such as loan signings or remote online notarization.
Experience with Your Type of Document
Different documents require different types of notarizations. A notary who regularly handles documents such as power of attorney forms, real estate documents, affidavits, and legal paperwork will be more familiar with the requirements and help ensure the process goes smoothly. Experience can reduce errors that could delay important transactions.
Availability and Convenience
Consider how easy it is to schedule an appointment. Some notaries offer mobile services and will travel to homes, offices, hospitals, or businesses. Others provide in-office appointments. Increasingly, many notaries also offer Remote Online Notarization, allowing documents to be notarized through a secure video session from anywhere with an internet connection.
Professionalism and Attention to Detail
Notaries must follow strict procedures when verifying identity and completing notarizations. A professional notary will carefully review identification, ensure all signers are present, confirm the document is complete, and properly complete the notarial certificate. Attention to detail helps prevent rejected documents and legal issues later.
Clear Pricing and Communication
A reputable notary will clearly explain their fees, services, and scheduling policies. Transparent pricing and good communication help ensure there are no surprises and that the notarization process is handled efficiently.
Security and Fraud Prevention
Because notarization is designed to prevent fraud, it is important to work with a notary who follows proper verification procedures. For remote notarizations, secure identity verification, recorded sessions, and electronic journals provide additional protection.
Choosing the Right Notary
Selecting a qualified and experienced notary public helps ensure your documents are notarized correctly the first time. By looking for proper credentials, experience, availability, professionalism, and security practices, you can confidently choose a notary who will handle your documents with care and accuracy.
Have a document that you need notarized? Message or call us today!
Understanding Notarial Laws in Pennsylvania
Understanding Notarial Laws in Pennsylvania
Notarial laws in Pennsylvania are designed to ensure that documents are executed properly, identities are verified, and fraud is prevented. These laws are governed primarily by the Pennsylvania Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), which establishes the rules and responsibilities for notaries public throughout the state.
The Role of a Pennsylvania Notary Public
A notary public in Pennsylvania is an official appointed by the Pennsylvania Department of State to act as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. The primary purpose of notarization is to deter fraud by confirming the identity of the signer and ensuring the signer understands the document they are signing.
Notaries do not provide legal advice or determine the legality of a document. Their role is to verify identity, administer oaths when required, and properly complete the notarial certificate.
Identity Verification Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires notaries to verify the identity of every signer. This is typically done by examining a valid government-issued identification card that includes a photograph, signature, and identifying information.
Acceptable identification commonly includes:
Driver’s license
Passport
State-issued identification card
Military identification
In some situations, a credible witness may be used to identify a signer if proper identification is unavailable.
Required Elements of a Notarization
For a notarization to be valid in Pennsylvania, several key elements must be present:
The signer must personally appear before the notary (either in person or through an approved remote online notarization platform).
The document must contain a proper notarial certificate such as an acknowledgment or jurat.
The notary must complete the certificate with their signature, seal, and the date of notarization.
Failure to follow these procedures could result in an invalid notarization.
The Notary Seal and Journal
Pennsylvania notaries are required to use an official notary stamp that includes their name, the words “Notary Public,” the name of the county where their office is located, and the expiration date of their commission.
Pennsylvania law also requires notaries to maintain a notary journal documenting each notarization they perform. The journal includes details such as the date, type of notarization, type of document, and method used to identify the signer.
Remote Online Notarization
Pennsylvania law permits Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing documents to be notarized through secure audio-visual technology. During a remote notarization session, identity verification tools such as knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis are used to confirm the signer’s identity.
The entire session is recorded and stored, providing an additional layer of security and documentation.
Notary Responsibilities and Ethical Standards
Pennsylvania notaries must follow strict ethical standards to maintain public trust. A notary should never notarize a document if the signer is not present, appears unwilling, or does not understand the document. Notaries must also avoid notarizing documents in which they have a personal financial interest.
Violating Pennsylvania notarial laws can result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of a notary commission.
Why Notarial Laws Matter
Notarial laws protect individuals, businesses, and government institutions by ensuring documents are signed voluntarily and identities are properly verified. By following Pennsylvania’s notarial regulations, notaries help maintain the integrity and reliability of important legal and financial transactions.