Key Takeaways
- A Pennsylvania notary public is a public officer commissioned by the Department of State
- Pennsylvania follows RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts)
- The primary purpose is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of document signers
- Pennsylvania notary commissions are valid for 4 years
- Pennsylvania requires both education AND an exam for new applicants
Last updated: January 2026
Overview of the Notary Public Role
Pennsylvania modernized its notary laws in 2017 by adopting the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA). This comprehensive framework establishes clear standards for notarial practice, education requirements, and examination procedures.
What Is a Pennsylvania Notary Public?
A notary public is a public officer commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The primary role is to serve as an impartial witness who helps prevent fraud in document execution.
| What You Are | What You Are NOT |
|---|---|
| Public officer | Government employee |
| Impartial witness | Party to the transaction |
| Identity verifier | Document content verifier |
| Fraud preventer | Legal advisor |
| State-commissioned | Licensed attorney (unless separately) |
RULONA in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's adoption of RULONA brought significant changes:
| Feature | Before RULONA | After RULONA |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Not required | 3-hour course required |
| Examination | Not required | Required for new applicants |
| Electronic notarization | Limited | Authorized |
| Remote notarization | Not available | Authorized (RON) |
| Journal keeping | Optional | Required |
Core Notarial Acts
Pennsylvania notaries are authorized to perform:
| Act | Description |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgments | Signer confirms signature is voluntary |
| Oaths and affirmations | Administer sworn statements |
| Verifications on oath | Certify sworn written statements |
| Witnessing signatures | Observe signing of documents |
| Certifying copies | Certify copies of certain documents |
| Noting protests | Commercial paper protests |
What You Cannot Do
| Prohibited | Why |
|---|---|
| Provide legal advice | Unauthorized practice of law |
| Prepare legal documents | Only attorneys may do this |
| Verify document truthfulness | Not your role |
| Notarize your own signature | Conflict of interest |
| Notarize for immediate family | Generally prohibited |
On the Exam
Expect 3-4 questions on the notary's role:
- Primary purpose: Verify identity and prevent fraud
- RULONA: Pennsylvania's notary law framework
- Required: Both education AND exam for new applicants
- Commission term: 4 years
Test Your Knowledge
What law governs notary practice in Pennsylvania?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a notary public?
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D