What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness for signing important documents. Notaries help protect against fraud by verifying identities, confirming that signers understand what they are signing, and ensuring that signatures are made willingly and knowingly.
In Pennsylvania, notaries are authorized to perform a variety of duties, including:
-
Completing real estate signings and other transactions
-
Administering oaths and affirmations
-
Witnessing and certifying signatures
-
Acknowledging legal documents
-
Certifying copies of certain documents
Unlike attorneys, a notary does not provide legal advice or draft legal documents such as wills or contracts — their role is strictly to authenticate and witness.
Why Notarization Matters?
Notarization does more than just put a stamp on a document — it:
✔ Helps prevent fraud and identity theft
✔ Confirms that signers are acting voluntarily and with understanding
✔ Creates a trusted, official record that holds up in legal settings
✔ Helps documents be accepted across institutions, courts, and jurisdictions
These safeguards are especially important for high-stakes matters like powers of attorney, estate planning documents, business contracts, and real estate transactions.
Reasons You May Need a Notary
-
When a signature affects property, finances, or legal rights
-
When a document requires legal credibility (like an affidavit or POA)
-
When a third party (like a title company, hospital, or government office) requires it
-
When you want to protect the validity of personal agreements
Notarization is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are nearby or across the country, there is a notarization method that fits your needs.
Common Documents That May Require Notarization
Notarization is often required — or strongly recommended — for:
-
Estate Planning: Wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives
-
Real Estate: Deeds, transfers, closing documents
-
Affidavits & Statements: Sworn statements, declarations
-
Business Agreements: Contracts, partnership documents
-
Financial Forms: Loan documents, lien releases
Many other legal and administrative forms also require notarization; when in doubt, check with the requesting party.
Types of Notarizations
Traditional (In-Person) Paper Notarization
You meet with a notary in person. The notary verifies your identity using government-issued ID, witnesses your signature, and applies an official seal and signature to your paper document.
Best for documents that must remain in paper form or are required by an agency to be wet-signed.
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
You meet with a notary in person, but your documents are signed and notarized electronically on a secure tablet or device instead of paper.
IPEN offers the same legal validity as traditional notarization, with added benefits:
-
Faster signing process
-
No printing or scanning
-
Tamper-evident electronic records
-
Cleaner, more efficient experience
Ideal for clients who want in-person service without paper handling.
Online Notarization
You meet with a notary remotely using secure video technology. Identity verification, signing, and notarization are completed online through a state-approved platform.
Best for clients who want to notarize documents without traveling.