New Pennsylvania Notary Laws

5 Ways The New Pennsylvania Law Affects How You NotarizeBy David Thun on April 20, 2017 in PA, Laws & Regulations
Pennsylvania has announced a major update to its Notary laws, effective on October 26, 2017, based on the Revised Uniform Law On Notarial Acts (RULONA) and regulations implementing the RULONA. But how will these rules affect you? Here are five important changes Pennsylvania Notaries need to know about:
1. New ID Requirements

The new rules specify a list of IDs that you may accept, including the following:

• A driver’s license or ID card issued by any U.S. state
• A U.S. passport
• A foreign passport stamped by USCIS
• A government-issued ID document from Canada or Mexico

The new rules also clarify the requirements for using personal knowledge credible identifying witnesses.
2. Notaries May Refuse A Notarization

The new rules allow a Notary to refuse a notarization request:

• If you are not satisfied the signer is competent and aware enough to understand what is being signed
• If you are not satisfied the signer is signing voluntarily and without coercion or duress
• If you are not satisfied the signature on the document matches the one presented on the signer’s identification
• If you are not satisfied the signer’s physical appearance matches the photo on the ID

3. Notarial Certificate Wording Revised

The new rules put in place simpler wording for each type of notarial certificate that will be easier to complete. If you’re an NNA member, you can find the new certificates by logging on to you “My NNA” account.
4. New Notarial Act Authorized

The new law establishes an act called “signature witnessing.” To perform this act, you verify a signer’s identity and witness them sign the document. Then you complete, sign and seal the certificate for a signature witnessing.
5. New Record-Keeping Privacy Requirements

Notaries are prohibited from recording a signer’s personal financial or identification information in their journals. Examples of prohibited information include full Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or account numbers.
A Final Note: Renew Your Commission Early

If you plan to renew your commission, make sure to do so well in advance. If your commission lapses even one day, you will be required to take an exam to renew it.

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2017/04/new-pennsylvania-law-notarize?utm_campaign=bulletin20170501&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nnabulletin&utm_content=BodyTitlePANewLaw&content_type=3&position=2