Some of the changes within RULONA deal with notary eligibility requirements, conflicts of interest and refusing service that you should be aware of.

Let's take a look at each one.

Eligibility Requirements

An individual applying for a notary appointment or reappointment must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Pennsylvania
  • The place of employment in the state cannot just be a Pennsylvania mailing address.
• Be able to read and write English
• Not be disqualified for a notary commission because of violations/sanctions
• Successfully complete three hours of mandatory notary education
  • There is no longer an exemption for notaries who were commissioned on July 1, 2003. ALL notaries must complete education.
• Pass the required examination for basic education
  • First time notaries
  • Renewing notaries if they fail to be sworn into office within 45 days of appointment, and
  • Renewing notaries if they let their commissions lapse
• Have good moral character, integrity and ability

The Department of State may request that an employer provide written evidence that a notary commission is required for an employee who does not reside in Pennsylvania.

Applicants who are employed by the legislative, executive or judiciary departments of the U.S. government, but who are not elected or appointed to offices, are eligible for appointements and commissions as notaries.

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest for notaries include:

• Notarizing your spouse's signature
• Notarizing your own signature
• Notarizing documents when you or your spouse have a direct or financial interest in the transaction or record other than receiving a regular salary, hourly wage or notary fees
• Notarizing a political nominations petition if you are the spouse of the candidate

Refusing Service

RULONA spells out in detail when notaries can refuse service. A notary may refuse to perform a notary act if:

• The customer executing the record is incompetent or does not have the capacity to execute the record;
• The customer's signature is not knowingly or voluntarily made;
• The customer's signature on the record or statement does not conform to the signature on the presented identification (if there is a photograph on the ID).

Remember: Notaries may not refuse services based on the customer's race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or marital status.