Notarial Acts - The six enumerated notarial powers authorized by RULONA are:
1. Taking an acknowledgment
2. Administering an oath or
... [Show More] affirmation
3.Taking a verification on oath or affirmation (includes an affidavit)
4. Witnessing or attesting a signature - note that this is a new notarial act
5. Certifying or attesting a copy or deposition - note that "taking a deposition" is nolonger an enumerated notarial act
6. Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument
Notary Stamp - The official stamp of the notary (formerly called the notary seal) must
contain, in the following order:
1. The words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"
2. The words "Notary Seal"
3. The name as it appears on the commission of the notary public and the words"Notary Public"
4. The name of the county in which the notary public maintains an office
5.The date the notary public's commission expires
6.The notary commission number
The stamp will no longer contain the municipality in which the notary maintains an office.
"Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" is added to the stamp. The proposed regulations of the Department require the inclusion of the notary commission number on the notary commission number on the stamp.
Eligibility for appointment and commission as a notary public An applicant must
meet all the following:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
3. Be a resident of or have a place of employment
or practice in this Commonwealth.
4. Be able to read and write English.
5. Not be disqualified to receive a commission
under section 323 (relating to sanctions).
6. Have completed three hours of approved notary education.
7. Have passed an examination, if the applicant does not hold a commission at the
time the application is received by the Department, and Comply with other requirements established by the Department by regulation as
necessary to insure the competence, integrity and qualifications of a notary public and to insure the proper performance of notarial acts
Penalties -
The Department may impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 on a notary public for each act or omission which constitutes a violation of RULONA or the Department's regulations.
This is an increase from the $500 per violation in the formerlaw. RULONA also contains new criminal penalties: any person violating RULONA or a regulation of the Department commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000. [Show Less]