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 |
Pennsylvania's RULONA Adoption and What It Changed
Pennsylvania adopted the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), effective October 26, 2017 — one of the earlier RULONA adoptions in the country. The RULONA modernization significantly updated Pennsylvania notary law, replacing a statute that had been largely unchanged for decades. Key changes relevant to signing agents include: clearer acceptable ID standards, updated notarial certificate forms, explicit authority for electronic notarizations with proper authorization, and a framework for RON. Pennsylvania's RULONA adoption also clarified that notarial certificates must be in English (with translations permitted if attached) — relevant for Pennsylvania's diverse urban communities.
Pennsylvania Real Estate Markets
Pennsylvania's real estate market is anchored by two major metros: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Philadelphia's suburban market (the "collar counties" of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks) generates enormous signing volume and is among the more competitive signing agent markets in the Northeast. Pittsburgh has a more affordable market with strong first-time homebuyer activity. Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and Erie are significant secondary markets. Pennsylvania's older housing stock and aging population also generate reverse mortgage demand, particularly in established suburban communities.
Pennsylvania's $10,000 Bond
Pennsylvania requires a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of the notary commission. Annual premiums for a $10,000 Pennsylvania bond are typically $30–$50. Like all surety bonds, this protects the public from notarial misconduct — not the notary from claims. Pennsylvania signing agents should maintain both the required bond and separate E&O insurance. Pennsylvania's RULONA adoption did not change the bond requirement, which has been a consistent feature of the commission structure.
Philadelphia Market Specifics
The Philadelphia real estate market has distinctive characteristics that signing agents should understand. Transfer taxes in Philadelphia are among the highest in the country — the total transfer tax (city + state) on a sale can reach 4% of the sale price, creating significant closing costs that borrowers sometimes encounter for the first time at the signing table. For signing agents, this means the closing disclosure for Philadelphia purchase transactions may show transfer tax figures that surprise borrowers. Redirect transfer tax questions to the title company — they are best positioned to explain the specific Philadelphia tax structure.
Pennsylvania Acceptable ID Under RULONA
Pennsylvania's RULONA framework accepts the following identification for notarizations: a Pennsylvania driver's license or state ID, any U.S. state driver's license or ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, a military identification card, a permanent resident card, and other government-issued photo identification with name, address, photograph, and signature. Pennsylvania also permits credible witnesses as an alternative when satisfactory ID cannot be produced. Philadelphia's diverse urban population means signing agents in the city encounter a wider range of ID types than suburban agents — including foreign passports with U.S. entry documentation and tribal IDs.
Pennsylvania's Transfer Tax Impact on Closings
Pennsylvania has a state transfer tax of 1% of the sale price, and many municipalities add their own transfer taxes — Philadelphia's combined city + state transfer tax reaches 4.278% of the sale price, among the highest in the country. This creates closing costs that surprise many first-time buyers. At a $400,000 Philadelphia purchase, the transfer taxes alone approach $17,000. Signing agents in Philadelphia should expect the closing disclosure's transfer tax line to generate borrower questions and sometimes frustration. Your response: redirect to the title company or loan officer for explanation — transfer tax calculations are outside a signing agent's scope.
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.