Journal Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania adopted the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) effective October 2017 — one of the earlier states to do so. For traditional in-person paper notarizations, Pennsylvania does not require a journal, though the Department of State recommends maintaining one. For electronic notarizations and RON, Pennsylvania requires a secure electronic journal with a minimum 5-year retention period. Pennsylvania notaries performing RON must also retain an audio-visual recording of each session for 5 years. The RULONA framework also clarified Pennsylvania's acceptable ID standards, aligning them with the national model.
Pennsylvania Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Pennsylvania Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | dos.pa.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | $10,000 surety bond |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Pennsylvania require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Pennsylvania statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Pennsylvania maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.