What is a Notary Public & Why Do You Need One in Pennsylvania?
- Brian Klein
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A notary public is a state-commissioned official, authorized to perform a variety of acts that help verify identity, reduce fraud and ensure that important documents are executed properly. In Pennsylvania, notaries play an essential role in both everyday transactions and major legal events - everything from real estate closings to the execution of estate planning documents to international document processing. When a notary witnesses a signature, administers an oath or verifies documentation, they are providing an added layer of security for everyone involved. Whether you're finalizing estate planning paperwork, completing a power of attorney, buying or selling a home, or preparing legal documents for use overseas, a trusted Pennsylvania notary helps ensure that your documents are executed properly.
What does a Pennsylvania Notary Public Do?
Pennsylvania notaries are trained and commissioned by the state, specifically the Secretary of State's office. This gives notaries the authority to carry out several important duties. Each of these notarizations helps ensure that documents are executed correctly and truthfully:
✔️ Witness and Verify Signatures
The most common duty of a notary is to verify that the signer is who they say they are. The notary checks valid identification, ensures the signer understands the document and confirms they are signing willingly. This step is crucial for preventing fraud and validating legal agreements.
✔️ Administer Oath and Affirmations
Oaths and affirmations are legally binding statements of truth. Notaries in Pennsylvania can administer these oaths for affidavits, sworn statements, depositions and other legal documents. Notaries may also administer an oath for someone taking a position in public office.
✔️ Certify Copies of Original Documents
When a certified, true copy of a document is needed, a Pennsylvania notary can compare the original with its copy and certify that it is accurate and unaltered.
Note that copies of vital records such as birth, marriage or death certificates cannot be certified by a notary and must be obtained from the department from where they originated.
✔️ Assist with Affidavits, Acknowledgments & Jurats
These notarizations are commonly required in court filings, business documents, estate planning and financial paperwork.
Acknowledgments verify identity and willingness to sign.
Jurats confirm the signer swears the document content is true.
Affidavits are sworn written statements.
Why You Need a Notary in Pennsylvania
Notarization serves as a safeguard that ensures documents hold up legally and ethically. Here's why using a professional, reputable notary matters:
✔️ Legal Compliance for Major Life and Business Events
Many documents, such as wills, real estate deeds, powers of attorney and business agreements, must be notarized to be legally valid in Pennsylvania. Without notarization, these documents may be rejected.
✔️ Prevents Disputes and Fraud
A notary confirms the signer's identity, their willingness to sign and their understanding of the document - crucial steps that can help prevent disputes, forgery and the misuse of someone's personal information.
✔️ Required for Apostilles and International Documents
If you need an apostille, many document will need to first be notarized properly. International organizations, foreign governments and overseas educational institutions or employers may require notarized documents before authentication.
✔️ Provides Peace of Mind
When a notary oversees your signing, you can trust that your paperwork is completed with accuracy and legal compliance - eliminating the risk of mistakes that could delay important transactions.
Types of Documents That Commonly Require Notarization
Many people are surprised at how often notarization is required in Pennsylvania and most other states. Some of the most common examples include:
✔️ Wills and Trusts
Estate planning documents must be notarized to ensure they are recognized in court and accurately reflect the signer's wishes.
✔️Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney allows someone to act on your behalf legally or financially. Pennsylvania requires these documents to be notarized to ensure their enforceability. Many also require two additional witnesses aside from the notarization.
✔️Real Estate Closing Documents
Buyer, seller, refinancing and home equity loan transactions all require notarized documents, including deeds, mortgage documents and other lender forms.
✔️School, Employment and Medical Forms
Certain school and home school enrollment forms, medical releases, travel authorization letters for minors and employment verification forms frequently require a notary.
✔️International Documents Needing Authentication
Diplomas, birth certificates, business documents, adoption paperwork and other records intended for foreign use often need notarization prior to apostille or embassy legalization.
Need a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?
Blue Ink Notary provides mobile, online and specialized notary and apostille services throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you're at home, work, on the road or closing on a property, we make notarization simple,secure and convenient.
Blue Ink Notary, based in Greater Reading and serving Berks County as well as Lancaster, Montgomery, Chester, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Lebanon counties, has assisted numerous Pennsylvania residents and businesses with their document needs since 2019. I am generally available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm but am also available for emergency, early morning, evening & weekend appointments to help you with your documents, so contact me any time with questions.
To discuss your notary & apostille needs:
📲 Call or text 484-509-1405
📩 Email brian@blueinknotarypa.com
🖥️ Visit online at blueinknotarypa.com and message us in our chat box in the lower right corner of your screen or visit the Contact Us page
🗓️ Book you appointment online Here