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Notary Notes

Can I Notarize for an Out-of-State Resident?

by PAN
Sometimes, notaries question whether they can notarize out-of-state documents and for out-of-state residents visiting Pennsylvania. The answer is yes – just as long as you’re in Pennsylvania and proper notarization procedures are followed.

The procedures are determined by the Pennsylvania Notary Public Law and are the same for any notarial act. Demand personal appearance and properly identify your customer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as a current, government-issued identification card.

Using a credible witness is also acceptable. A credible witness is someone who testifies under oath or affirmation to the identity of the customer. The credible witness must be personally known to you, must personally know the customer and must appear before you with the customer.

Consider the competency and willingness of the customer. If the customer appears to be intoxicated, unaware of their surroundings, frightened or under pressure, talk casually with them to determine if they understand the document presented for notarizing.

Review the document. If there are any blanks, the customer should be made aware of them, draw a line through them and initial the spaces. Notarial wording can be added as requested. If there is no notarial wording, ask the customer what notarial act they want.

Once the notarial act is determined you can witness or verify the customer’s signature, sign and apply your notary stamp, collect your fee and write the transaction in your register.

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