Pennsylvania is one of the U.S. states that has fully authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing notaries to perform notarial acts using secure, real-time audio-video communication. Originally introduced in 2020 as an emergency measure during the pandemic, RON was made permanent under Act 97 of 2020, which amended the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA).
This article explains the legal framework, process, eligibility, and requirements for online notarization in Pennsylvania as of 2025.
1. Legal foundation
Key statutes
- Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) – Title 57, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Chapter 3
- Act 97 of 2020 (Senate Bill 595) – made remote online notarization permanent
- Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) regulations – implement the technology and procedural standards
These laws establish that a notarial act performed using communication technology—where the notary and signer are in different physical locations—is legally valid in Pennsylvania if all statutory requirements are met.
2. How Pennsylvania’s RON system developed
Before 2020, Pennsylvania notaries were required to meet signers in person. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf issued emergency orders allowing temporary remote notarization for certain transactions.
Recognizing its long-term value, the state passed Act 97 of 2020, amending 57 Pa.C.S. §§301–331 to permanently authorize remote online notarization under the RULONA framework.
Since then, Pennsylvania has become one of the more flexible and business-friendly RON jurisdictions, while maintaining strong identity-verification and recordkeeping standards.
3. Who can perform remote online notarization
To perform RON, a notary must:
- Hold a current Pennsylvania notary commission.
- Register with the Department of State to become a “remote notary.”
- Select and disclose a DOS-approved RON technology provider.
- Use an electronic signature, electronic seal, and digital certificate that meet statutory standards.
- Maintain compliance with the recordkeeping, security, and identification requirements of RULONA.
There is no separate RON commission fee beyond the provider’s costs, but the notary must update their information with the DOS before performing remote acts.
4. How remote notarization works in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Real-time audiovisual communication
The notary and signer connect through a secure, real-time audio-video platform that allows both parties to see and hear each other clearly. The entire session must be recorded and retained for at least 10 years.
Step 2: Identity proofing
Before proceeding, the signer’s identity must be verified using at least two methods:
- Credential analysis: Examination of a government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) by automated technology.
- Knowledge-based authentication (KBA): Dynamic personal questions generated from credit or public records.
If the signer is personally known to the notary, identity proofing can be waived.
Step 3: E-signing and e-seal
Once verified, the signer electronically signs the document in the notary’s presence (virtually). The notary then applies their electronic signature and official electronic seal, both secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) or equivalent encryption technology.
The electronic notarial certificate must indicate that the act was performed remotely, typically including language such as:
“This notarial act was performed using communication technology pursuant to 57 Pa.C.S. §306.”
Step 4: Recordkeeping
The notary must:
- Keep a secure electronic journal of all remote acts.
- Retain the audiovisual recording for a minimum of 10 years.
- Protect all data against unauthorized access or modification.
5. Notary and signer location rules
- The notary must be physically located in Pennsylvania at the time of the notarization.
- The signer may be located anywhere—within the U.S. or abroad—provided that:
- The notary confirms the signer’s identity using approved methods.
- The notary confirms that performing the act does not violate the laws of the signer’s location.
- The document is intended for use under U.S. law.
This makes Pennsylvania RON particularly useful for international clients, remote employees, and real-estate transactions involving overseas parties.
6. Approved RON technology providers
The Pennsylvania Department of State maintains a list of approved remote notarization platforms, which currently includes:
- DocuSign Notary
- BlueNotary
- Notarize
- OneNotary
- SIGNiX
- Nexsys Clear Sign
These systems are required to provide:
- End-to-end encrypted communication
- Tamper-evident document technology
- Multi-factor authentication
- Long-term secure storage of recordings and logs
- NIST SP 800-63A compliant identity proofing
7. Fees
Under Pennsylvania law, notaries may charge up to the same maximum fee for a remote notarization as they would for an in-person notarization, unless otherwise specified by the Department of State.
As of 2025, the standard maximum fee is $5 per notarial act, though RON platforms often add a technology service fee payable by the customer.
8. Types of documents eligible for RON
Most documents that can be notarized in person can also be notarized online, including:
- Real estate deeds, leases, and mortgages
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Business contracts and corporate resolutions
- Identity verifications and acknowledgments
Exceptions
Remote notarization cannot be used for wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts, as these typically require personal appearance and witness signatures under Pennsylvania law.
9. Legal recognition
Documents notarized remotely under 57 Pa.C.S. §306 are legally equivalent to those notarized in person.
- They are recognized in all other U.S. states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause and the ESIGN Act.
- For international use, they may be authenticated by an apostille issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
10. Advantages of RON in Pennsylvania
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Signers can appear from anywhere worldwide. |
| Speed | Eliminates scheduling delays and physical paperwork. |
| Security | Tamper-evident digital seals and encrypted recordings prevent fraud. |
| Accessibility | Enables notarization for overseas citizens, military members, and remote professionals. |
| Legal certainty | Fully recognized under Pennsylvania’s RULONA amendments and federal law. |
11. Compliance checklist for Pennsylvania online notaries
✅ Be physically located in Pennsylvania during every RON.
✅ Verify identity via credential analysis and KBA unless the signer is personally known.
✅ Record and store each session for 10 years.
✅ Use only approved communication technology providers.
✅ Include “performed using communication technology” in every certificate.
✅ Maintain a secure electronic journal separate from your video files.
12. Summary
| Aspect | Pennsylvania Online Notarization (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governing law | RULONA; Act 97 of 2020 (57 Pa.C.S. §§301-331) |
| Effective date | Permanent since October 29, 2020 |
| Location of notary | Must be in Pennsylvania |
| Location of signer | Anywhere (U.S. or abroad) |
| Recording retention | 10 years |
| Technology providers | DOS-approved platforms only |
| Identity verification | Credential analysis + KBA |
| Legal validity | Equivalent to in-person notarization |
| Exclusions | Wills and testamentary trusts |
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania’s online notarization system strikes a careful balance between convenience and security. With its roots in the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, it gives notaries a robust framework for performing RON while ensuring every transaction is auditable, encrypted, and legally sound.
Whether for real estate, business, or cross-border documentation, Pennsylvania’s RON law enables fast, trusted, and fully digital notarization — a model for secure e-governance in the 21st century.
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