PA NOTARY Study Guide 2026

When a notarial act is performed remotely in Pennsylvania, the law requires that the certificate of notarial act explicitly states it was performed using communication technology. This disclosure is critical for the legal validity and transparency of the remote notarization process.

The primary difference is that an affirmation contains no religious reference or invocation of a divine being, making it suitable for those with conscientious objections to swearing.

For identification based on a credential, Pennsylvania law requires the notary to record the type of identification credential, the issuing agency, and the date of issuance or expiration. This provides a clear record of the identification method used.

'Subscribed' means the signer signed the document, and 'sworn' means the signer took an oath or affirmation before the notary—together they confirm the complete jurat process was properly followed.

Failing to maintain the required $10,000 surety bond during the commission term is a serious violation that results in the revocation of the notary's commission.

According to the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), an individual must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a notary public commission in Pennsylvania.