Pennsylvania Remote Online Notarization
What is online notarization?
Remote online notarization (RON) is a form of notarization carried out entirely online using audio-visual technology and electronic forms. This is different from traditional notarization services, where document signers appear in person before a notary to complete a signature. Online notarization allows both notaries and document signers to complete a notarization act within minutes from wherever they happen to be located.
It eliminates the inconvenience of having to coordinate a place and time to meet with a notary. It is essential to be aware that RON law varies state-by-state, with different requirements and regulations to be considered valid.
Is online notarization legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Notaries who are commissioned to practice online can perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) services in Pennsylvania.
In April of 2020, Pennsylvania Remote Online Notarization (RON) law was temporarily authorized under Senate Bill 841 due to COVID-19. In October of the same year, the state’s Governor signed Act 97 into law, making online notarization a permanent part of Pennsylvania law.
Online notaries in Pennsylvania must possess a current commission as a traditional notary in addition to getting an application to provide RON services approved by the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections and Notaries.
Approved RON vendors in Pennsylvania
Find below a complete listing of organizations approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State to offer Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology to Pennsylvania notaries public.
In Pennsylvania, Notaries must notify the Department of State that they are performing notarial acts with respect to electronic records/ performing notarial acts for a remotely located individual using communication technology prior to performing such acts and identify the technology they intend to use.
| PandaDoc Notary |
| DocVerify |
| Safedocs Inc. |
| ICE Mortgage Technology f/k/a Simplifile |
| Pavaso |
| DocuSign, Inc. |
| SimplySecureSign |
| Nexsys Clear Sign |
| Notarize |
| NotaryCam |
| SIGNiX |
| OnlineNotary.us |
| eNotaryLog, LLC |
| KYS-Tech |
| Digital Delivery, Inc. |
| E-Notary Seal, LLC |
| OneNotary.US |
| Stavvy, Inc. |
| Secured Signing Inc. |
| Notary@EpicRiver |
| Blend Labs, Inc. |
| Cyberize It, LLC |
Pennsylvania Remote Online Notarization law: How Does It Work?
In order to receive online notarization services in the state of Pennsylvania, there are certain requirements that must be met to be considered valid.
What types of notarizations are permitted online in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, remote notaries are authorized to perform the following types of notarial acts:
- Taking acknowledgments: An official acknowledgment from a signer to a notary that a document has been willingly signed.
- Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument: A notary officially notes that a bill or note related to the transaction has been dishonored and that the terms are being protested.
- Witnessing signatures: A notary appears to verify the identity of a document signer and witness the signing.
- Certifying a copy of a record: A notary certifies that a copy of a document is true and accurate.
- Administering an oath or affirmation: A solemn promise of truthfulness by a signer or witness.
- Taking verification on an oath or affirmation: A notary witnesses an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document being signed are true.
What do I need to notarize a document online in Pennsylvania?
To receive Pennsylvania remote online notarization services, there are a series of steps you will have to follow to ensure the notarization is valid. You should first contact your county recorder to confirm that they accept electronically signed and notarized documents.
Using an online notary is quicker and cheaper than using traditional notary services. It also provides a greater level of security against fraud protection. Let’s take a look at the process in more detail to better understand these benefits.
How to have documents signed and sealed online
At the time of the document signing, the signers and the notary will appear on screen together via a two-way audio-visual internet connection. The document that will be signed is also displayed on the screen for all parties to see. At this time, the signers will review the documents before applying an electronically-created signature.
Next, the notary will apply their own electronic signature, along with an electronic seal and their digital certificate. This certificate is a unique piece of code that will attach to the notarized document, verifying the notarization and providing a layer of tamper-proof security.
Pennsylvania requirements for when appearing before an online notary
Online notarization makes it easier than ever to appear before a notary. Rather than having to schedule a place and time to meet with a traditional or mobile notary service in advance, the notary and signers can all be in different locations.
While an online notary in Pennsylvania is required to perform their duties within the state boundaries, the signers can appear for the notarization from anywhere in the world. By allowing signers and notaries to appear via video conference for a notarization, RON makes appearing faster, safer, and easier than traditional in-person notarization.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) helps protect your document
Remote Online Notarization is the most secure form of notarization. This is because, with online notarization, the signer’s identities are verified using a knowledge-based authentication system. On top of this, the online notarization platform will perform an in-depth analysis of the signer’s ID and documents to prevent fraud.
In addition to verifying the signer’s identities, the entire notarization process will be recorded and stored. In Pennsylvania, this record must be securely stored and accessible to all parties for a minimum of ten years. This detailed record ensures that if any disputes arise down the road, every bit of information will be available for review.
Finally, the digital seal and certificate provided by the online notary ensure that the signed document is sealed with a tamper-proof code. This code identifies and tracks any unauthorized changes made to the document so that any disputes may be easily resolved.
Pennsylvania remote online notary service
If you are looking for remote online notarization in Pennsylvania, PandaDoc Notary can support you with a fast, secure, and 100% state-compliant solution for Remote Online Notarization that won’t break your bank.
FAQ
If I notarize a document online in Pennsylvania, will it be recognized by other states?
Yes. Online notarial acts performed in Pennsylvania will generally be recognized by other states, including ones that have not yet adopted RON law. While the specifics may vary depending on the other state’s requirements, established precedents have set forth that notarial acts carried out within compliance with the applicable state RON law can be recognized as valid across state lines
Do the signers have to be physically located in Pennsylvania to receive services from a Pennsylvania online notary?
The signers of the document do not need to be physically located within the boundaries of the state of Pennsylvania at the time of notarization. The notary, however, must be physically located within the boundaries of Pennsylvania.
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