Key Takeaways
- Every notarial act requires a certificate with specific wording
- RULONA provides standardized short-form certificates
- The venue (county) must always be stated on the certificate
- Certificate language must be in English
- The notary completes the certificate, not the signer
Notarial Certificates and Venue
Every notarial act must be evidenced by a properly completed certificate. RULONA established standardized short-form certificates that are simpler than previous versions.
Certificate Components
Every notarial certificate must include:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue | State/Commonwealth and County |
| Type of act | What notarial act was performed |
| Date | When the act occurred |
| Name(s) | Individual(s) involved |
| Notary signature | Notary's official signature |
| Official seal | Rubber stamp impression |
| Commission expiration | On seal or separately stated |
Venue Requirement
The venue is where the notarization takes place:
| Element | Format |
|---|---|
| State | "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" |
| County | "County of [where notarizing]" |
Important: The venue is where you ARE notarizing, not where the document will be used or where the notary resides.
RULONA Short-Form Certificates
Acknowledgment (Individual)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
This record was acknowledged before me on [date] by [name(s) of individual(s)].
Signature of Notarial Officer [SEAL] Title of Office My Commission Expires: _______
Acknowledgment (Representative Capacity)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
This record was acknowledged before me on [date] by [name(s)] as [type of authority] who represent(s) that they are authorized to act on behalf of [entity name].
Signature of Notarial Officer [SEAL]
Verification on Oath or Affirmation
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on [date] by [name(s) of individual(s)].
Signature of Notarial Officer [SEAL]
Witnessing or Attesting a Signature
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
Signed (or attested) before me on [date] by [name(s) of individual(s)].
Signature of Notarial Officer [SEAL]
Certificate Rules
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Language | Must be in English |
| Completion | Notary completes (not signer) |
| Blanks | Fill in ALL blanks before signing |
| Location | Near notary signature and seal |
| Pre-printed | Acceptable if matches RULONA |
On the Exam
- Venue: County where notarizing (not residence)
- Certificate required: Every notarial act
- Language: English required
- Who completes: The notary
- RULONA forms: Simplified short forms
What is the "venue" on a notarial certificate?
A Pennsylvania notary from Bucks County travels to Lancaster County to notarize a document. What county should appear in the venue?