Key Takeaways
- RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) became effective October 26, 2017
- RULONA modernized Pennsylvania notary law with mandatory education and examination
- The law establishes six authorized notarial acts
- All notarial acts must be evidenced by a certificate
- Pennsylvania passed comprehensive RULONA regulations effective March 28, 2026
Understanding RULONA
The Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) became effective in Pennsylvania on October 26, 2017, fundamentally changing how notaries fulfill their duties. As of March 28, 2026, comprehensive regulations fully implement all RULONA provisions.
What Is RULONA?
RULONA is a uniform law adopted by Pennsylvania to modernize and standardize notarial practice.
| Before RULONA | After RULONA |
|---|---|
| No education required | 3-hour education mandatory |
| No examination required | Examination required |
| Limited electronic notarization | Full electronic authorization |
| No remote notarization | RON authorized |
| Voluntary journal | Journal mandatory |
| Various certificate forms | Standardized short forms |
Six Authorized Notarial Acts
Under RULONA, Pennsylvania notaries may perform exactly six types of notarial acts:
| Act | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Acknowledgment | Signer confirms signature is genuine and voluntary |
| 2. Verification on Oath | Sworn statement that document contents are true |
| 3. Witnessing/Attesting Signature | Notary observes actual signing (new under RULONA) |
| 4. Certifying/Attesting Copy | Certify a copy matches the original |
| 5. Administering Oath/Affirmation | Administer a sworn promise |
| 6. Noting Protest | Commercial paper protests (rarely used) |
Certificate Requirement
Critical RULONA Rule: Every notarial act MUST be evidenced by a certificate.
| Certificate Must Include | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Type of notarial act | Identify what was performed |
| Date of notarization | When act occurred |
| County/venue | Where act occurred |
| Notary signature | Authentication |
| Official seal/stamp | Official verification |
Important: It is NEVER acceptable to place only your signature and seal on a document without any notarial certificate language.
RULONA Compliance Standards
The 80% passing score requirement reflects the importance of RULONA compliance:
| Compliance Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required for most acts |
| Identity verification | Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence |
| Certificate completion | Every notarial act |
| Journal entries | Every notarial act |
| Seal application | Every notarial act |
On the Exam
- RULONA effective date: October 26, 2017
- Number of notarial acts: Six
- New act under RULONA: Witnessing/attesting a signature
- Certificate required: Yes, for all acts
- Passing score: 80% (scaled 75)
When did RULONA become effective in Pennsylvania?
How many notarial acts are Pennsylvania notaries authorized to perform under RULONA?
Which notarial act was NEW under RULONA?