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What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. The notary’s role is to help prevent fraud, confirm identities, and ensure that everyone signing a document is doing so knowingly and willingly.

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In Pennsylvania, notaries are authorized to perform a variety of duties, including:

  • Completing real estate signings

  • Administering oaths and affirmations

  • Witnessing and certifying signatures

  • Acknowledging legal documents

  • Certifying copies of certain documents

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Notaries are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice — but they play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of legal transactions.

Why Notarization Matters?
Notarization is more than a signature. It provides legal protection, adds credibility, and creates a trustworthy record that your document was signed voluntarily and correctly.

 

Notarization Helps:

Prevent fraud and identity theft
A notary confirms who is signing a document and ensures they are not being forced or misled.

Make documents legally binding
Many agreements, especially in real estate, estate planning, and business, require notarization to be valid.

Ensure credibility in court or disputes
A notarized document can hold up better in legal settings by proving who signed it and when.

Facilitate transactions across jurisdictions
A notarized document is more likely to be accepted across state lines or even internationally when accompanied by an apostille.

Common Documents That May Require Notarization

  • Powers of Attorney (POA)

  • Last Will & Testament

  • Living Trusts and Amendments

  • Advance Healthcare Directives

  • Real Estate Deeds and Transfers

  • Loan Documents

  • Custody and Guardianship Agreements

  • Affidavits and Sworn Statements

  • Business Contracts and Agreements

Paper Notarization (Traditional/In-Person)

Paper notarization is the most traditional and familiar method. You meet the notary face-to-face; you sign a physical paper document in their presence. The notary applies a wet (ink) signature and official stamp to complete the notarization.

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Some people prefer in-person. It is also best for documents that specifically require wet ink signatures, such as legal forms, affidavits, and medical releases.

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. 

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Remote Online Notarization allows you to complete your notarization from anywhere in the world, as long as the document pertains to U.S. business, legal, or personal matters.  Notarization is possible without being physically present.

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Similar to a secure Zoom call with the notary. You meet through an approved video conferencing platform. Your identity is verified using knowledge-based questions (KBA). Once verified, the notary will guide you through the document and sign electronically.

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All documents in a RON session are fully digital. You can either upload a document prior to the appointment or the notary provides a secure way to send it. Much like paper notarization, the document is signed and stamped electronically. The platform will generate a tamper-evident PDF.

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You will receive a copy of the notarized document via email—usually within minutes. It can be downloaded, printed, and is legally valid in all 50 U.S. states.

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RON is ideal for:

  • Remote or international clients

  • Emergency or after-hours notarizations

  • Clients who prefer a paperless and contact-free experience

RON makes the notarization process more flexible, faster, and accessible—without sacrificing legality or security.

Hybrid Notarization

Hybrid notarization combines both traditional and electronic methods. Some parts of the document are signed in person, while others are completed online. This is commonly used in real estate closings and multi-party signings.

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It is a great option when different parties are in separate locations or when a transaction involves both physical and electronic components.

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