Three notaries from two counties were disciplined by the Department of State for violations against the notary public law.

Philadelphia County 

A Philadelphia notary had her commission suspended for 18 months, which was stayed in favor of probation, for failing to require personal appearance of the document signer, failing to provide a copy of her journal upon request, and failing to maintain an accurate journal. She was fined a civil penalty of $500, a probation assessment fee of $900, and she must complete six hours of notary education.

A notary from Philadelphia was suspended for 18 months, which was stayed in favor of probation for failing to know through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence that the person who appeared before her was the party executing the document. She was fined a civil penalty of $500 and assessed a $900 probation fee and must complete a six-hour notary education course. The State said she failed to be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public and failed to be of good character, integrity and ability.

Somerset County 

A Somerset notary was suspended for nine months, followed by 15 months of probation for failing to be of good character, integrity and ability and of good moral character for asking a female customer to expose her breasts in exchange for notary services. He was fined a civil penalty of $500 and a probation assessment fee of $750 and must complete a six-hour notary education course.