What Is a Notary? 2026 Notary Public Roles & Pennsylvania Guide
What is a notary? 2026 guide to notary public roles, what notaries can do, Pennsylvania notary requirements, how to become a notary, and common notarial acts explained.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary job is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of signers, confirming that signers are acting of their own free will, and certifying that signatures are authentic.
Notaries are commissioned by their state government — in Pennsylvania, by the Department of State — and are authorized to perform specific notarial acts defined by state law. They are not attorneys; they are neutral third parties whose seal and signature give legal weight to the documents they witness.
Notaries public play a critical role in real estate transactions, legal proceedings, business agreements, and personal legal documents. Without notarization, many documents would lack the legal standing required by courts, lenders, and government agencies.
If you are preparing to work as a notary in Pennsylvania, our Pennsylvania notary exam practice resource is an excellent place to begin building your knowledge base.
The signer appears before the notary and acknowledges that they signed the document voluntarily. Common in real estate deeds and powers of attorney.
The notary administers an oath or affirmation and the signer swears that the contents of the document are true. Common in affidavits and sworn statements.
A standalone oath or affirmation administered by the notary — for example, swearing in a witness or affirming the truth of a statement without an attached document.
The notary certifies that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction, or witnesses the signing of a document to confirm identity and willingness.
What Notaries Cannot Do
It is just as important to understand what a notary public cannot do as it is to know what they can do. Common misconceptions lead people to expect legal services that notaries are not authorized to provide.
- Give legal advice. A notary cannot advise you on whether a document is legally enforceable, what its terms mean, or whether you should sign it. Only a licensed attorney can do that.
- Prepare legal documents. A notary cannot draft contracts, wills, deeds, or other legal instruments on your behalf — unless they are also a licensed attorney.
- Certify the accuracy of document contents. Notarization confirms a signature is genuine and voluntary; it does not mean the notary has reviewed or verified the information inside the document.
- Notarize a document for themselves or an immediate family member — doing so creates a conflict of interest that invalidates the notarization.
- Notarize an incomplete document. Pennsylvania law prohibits notarizing documents with blank spaces that could later be filled in fraudulently.
Understanding these boundaries is a core part of the notary exam study guide material tested on the Pennsylvania notary examination.
Notary Public vs. Notary Signing Agent
A notary signing agent (NSA) is a notary public who has received additional training to handle loan document packages for real estate closings. While all signing agents are notaries, not all notaries are signing agents.
Here is how they differ:
| Feature | Notary Public | Notary Signing Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | State-commissioned | State-commissioned + NSA certification |
| Typical work | General document notarization | Mortgage and loan closings |
| Fee per appointment | $5–$25 per notarial act (PA caps) | $75–$200 per loan signing |
| Background check required? | No (for commission) | Yes (lenders and title companies require) |
| Training | State notary course + exam | Additional NSA course (NNA or equivalent) |
The signing agent path is one of the most popular ways notaries earn supplemental income. For a full breakdown of earning potential, see the notary career salary guide.
- Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
- Powers of attorney (financial and healthcare)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Wills and living wills (state-specific rules apply)
- Loan documents and refinancing packages
- Adoption paperwork and consent forms
- Vehicle title transfers
- Business contracts and partnership agreements
- Passport applications (parental consent for minors)
- Immigration and USCIS forms
Pennsylvania Notary Public Requirements
Pennsylvania notaries are governed by the Pennsylvania Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), which modernized the state's notary framework. To become a commissioned notary public in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: At least 18 years old
- Residency: Must be a Pennsylvania resident or have a regular place of work or business in Pennsylvania
- Criminal history: No felony convictions (disqualifying unless pardoned)
- Education: Complete a state-approved 3-hour notary education course
- Examination: Pass the Pennsylvania notary public examination administered by the Department of State
- Bond: Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized surety company
- Commission term: 4-year commission, renewable
- Official seal: Must obtain an official notary stamp or embosser that meets PA specifications
The examination covers Pennsylvania notary law, proper notarial procedures, journal requirements, and ethical obligations. Our resource on how to pass the PA notary exam walks through each tested domain in detail.
Online Notarization in Pennsylvania (RONPA)
Pennsylvania was among the early adopters of Remote Online Notarization (RON). Under the Remote Online Notarization Practices Act (RONPA), Pennsylvania notaries who are approved by the Department of State may perform notarizations entirely online using audio-visual technology.
Key facts about RONPA:
- The signer does not need to be physically present — communication is conducted via live two-way video.
- Identity verification uses knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and credential analysis.
- Electronic signatures and electronic seals are used in place of ink signatures and physical stamps.
- The notary must use a state-approved RON platform (e.g., Notarize, DocVerify, Pavaso).
- A complete electronic journal entry must be maintained, including an audio-visual recording of the session.
RONPA has dramatically expanded the reach of Pennsylvania notaries, allowing them to serve clients across the state and, in some circumstances, clients located out of state who need Pennsylvania-law documents notarized.
How to Find a Notary Near You
Notaries are more accessible than many people realize. Common places to find one include:
- Banks and credit unions — Many offer free notary services to account holders.
- UPS Store locations — Walk-in notary services, typically $5–$15 per signature.
- Public libraries — Some branches offer free or low-cost notarization by appointment.
- Law offices — Attorneys and their staff are often notaries.
- Mobile notaries — Travel to your home or office; useful for elderly or hospitalized signers.
- Online notaries (RON) — Platforms like Notarize.com connect you with a commissioned notary via video in minutes.
- Pennsylvania Notary Public Database — Search commissioned notaries at the PA Department of State's official website.
When choosing an online notary for a major transaction, verify their commission is active and that the platform meets RONPA requirements. Our notary services guide covers what to look for when selecting a notary for real estate and legal documents.
Notary Salary & Income Potential
A Pennsylvania notary commission alone has modest fee limits — state law caps fees at a specific amount per notarial act. However, notaries who pursue the notary signing agent path can earn significantly more.
Typical earning ranges:
- General notarization fees: $5–$10 per notarial act (PA statutory cap)
- Loan signing appointments: $75–$200 per appointment (1–2 hours of work)
- Mobile/travel fee: Additional $25–$50 on top of notarization fees
- Full-time signing agents: $40,000–$80,000/year with consistent volume
- Part-time supplemental income: $500–$2,000/month for 2–4 signings per week
Income varies significantly by location, marketing effort, and whether you work through title companies, signing services, or direct lender relationships. For realistic projections and career-building strategies, see our detailed notary career salary guide.
Steps to Become a Pennsylvania Notary Public
Here is the complete step-by-step process for obtaining your Pennsylvania notary commission in 2026:
- Confirm eligibility. Verify you are 18+, a PA resident (or work in PA), and have no disqualifying criminal history.
- Complete the required education course. Take a state-approved 3-hour notary education course from a provider approved by the Department of State.
- Pass the Pennsylvania notary exam. Schedule and sit for the exam through the Department of State. The exam covers RULONA, notarial procedures, and ethical standards. Use a PA notary practice test to prepare.
- Purchase a $10,000 surety bond. Obtain your bond from an authorized surety company — annual premiums are typically $30–$50.
- Submit your application. File your application with the Department of State online, along with your exam results and bond documentation.
- Take the oath of office. Once your application is approved, you will take an oath before a county official in your county of residence.
- Obtain your official notary seal. Purchase a notary stamp or embosser that meets PA specifications and begin recording in your official notary journal.
- Consider NSA certification (optional). If you plan to do loan signings, complete a notary signing agent course and a background screening through a title-company-approved provider.
Thorough exam preparation is the most important step in this process. Our notary exam study guide covers all tested topics and includes practice questions aligned with the current RULONA-based exam format.