Every year, PAN tracks the disciplinary actions published by the Department of State. We do this in order to learn how and why notaries face disciplinary actions.

In 2017, 24 notaries were punished for offienses such as:

• Failing to be familar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public (15 notaries)
• Failing to be of good character, integrity and ability (13 notaries)
• Failing to keep and maintain custody and control of an accurate chronological register (journal) (10 notaries)
• Failing to properly identify customers through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence (4 notaries)
• Failing to require personal appearance of customers (5 notaries)
• Failing to file a change of address with the Department of State (2 notaries)

Penalties included:

• Suspensions of 18 and 24 months
• Suspension with probation ranging from three to 18 months
• Having their notary commissions revoked (5 notaries)
• Permanently and voluntarily surrendering their notary commissions (7 notaries)

Civil fines included:

• $250 (2 notaries)
• $300 (1 notary)
• $500 (7 notaries)

Probation monitoring fees included:

• $150 (2 notaries)
• $200 (1 notary)
• $450 (2 notaries)
• $600 (2 notaries)
• $750 (1 notary)
• $900 (2 notaries)

In addition, 11 of the 24 disciplined notaries were required to successfully complete six hours of notary education.

It's important to remember that you, as a Pennsylvania notary public, must follow the notary public law - RULONA - in all aspects of fulfilling your notarial duties. If you are suspended, have your commission revoked or must surrender your commission, you can no longer notarize. If you cannot notarize, your job may be at risk.

Do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-944-8790 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with any questions or concerns. You may also use Live Chat on our Web site at www.notary.org or E-mail your questions or concerns to [email protected]