Frequently Asked Questions - Notary Services
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness during the execution of certain legal documents.
In order to be a Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, an individual must be over 18 years of age, a resident of Pennsylvania, obtained a background check, completed three hours of Notary education and passed an approved exam to receive a notary commission.
Do you have a physical office?
What types of IDs can I use?
In Pennsylvania, the following types of IDs are accepted:
- U.S. passport of passport card (CURRENT);
- Driver’s license or non-driver ID card (CURRENT); or
- Other form of a current government identification containing a signature
or photo (CURRENT).
Can I schedule an appointment with you online?
Do you provide documents?
Do you provide witnesses?
Do you charge a travel fee?
Can a Notary Public refuse to notarize a document?
A Notary Public may refuse to perform a notarial act if the Notary is not satisfied that:
- The individual executing the record is competent or has the capacity to execute the document;
- The individual’s signature is knowingly and voluntarily made;
- The individual’s signature on the document or statement substantially conforms to the signature on the form of identification presented to determine the identity of the individual; or
- The physical appearance of the individual signing the document or statement substantially conforms to the photograph on a form of identification used to determine the identity of the individual.
A Notary Public may not refuse to provide notarial services based on a customer’s race color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity (including pregnancy), disability or marital status.
