Pennsylvania Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in Pennsylvania is a certificate completed by a PA-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Pennsylvania law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
Pennsylvania notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Pennsylvania notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all PA notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
4 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
Pennsylvania Acknowledgment Wording
Pennsylvania law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Pennsylvania county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
Pennsylvania Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects Pennsylvania's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________, who acknowledged himself/herself to be the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], and that he/she as such, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing the name of the entity by himself/herself as such officer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
On this the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, before me, _______________, the undersigned officer, personally appeared _______________ and _______________, known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Pennsylvania Notary Requirements
Pennsylvania has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: Pennsylvania notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Pennsylvania notaries
- Exam: A written exam is required to become a notary in Pennsylvania
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in Pennsylvania
- Seal/Stamp: Pennsylvania notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in Pennsylvania must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by PA law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
Pennsylvania Notary Fees
Pennsylvania regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Pennsylvania.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
Pennsylvania Identification Requirements
Pennsylvania notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Pennsylvania.
Sample Pennsylvania Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our Pennsylvania-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact PA statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of Pennsylvania
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
Pennsylvania Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Pennsylvania, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official Pennsylvania Resources
Use these official resources to verify Pennsylvania notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related Pennsylvania Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Pennsylvania, or that require PA notarization.
Pennsylvania Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
Pennsylvania Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
Pennsylvania Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
Pennsylvania Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
Create your Pennsylvania Notary Acknowledgment in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Pennsylvania-compliant document, ready for the state agency.