I’m resting in a locked, well-used PAN attaché bag, tucked beside a PAN journal, a stack of blank notary certificates, and a blue pen that has seen more signatures than most people see in a month. My person doesn’t have to look for me anymore. She knows exactly where I am. Read more

Notaries play a vital role in protecting the integrity of important documents and transactions. Whether notarizing powers of attorney, real estate documents, verification on oaths, acknowledgments, or other legal forms, notaries are trusted to follow proper procedures and verify signer identity. Read more

As a Pennsylvania notary public, you play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of important legal documents. From real estate transactions to powers of attorney, your stamp and signature carry significant weight. But with that responsibility comes accountability—and that's where your notary Read more

The PA Department of State has requested that counties discontinue issuing Certificates of Good Standing for Notaries Public. This function will now be handled exclusively by the Department of State. Philadelphia County has already implemented this change as of today. Other counties are expected to Read more

While technology has revolutionized document creation and exchange, it has also amplified risks many don't consider. Identity fraud schemes using AI-generated IDs and deepfake technology are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In this environment, notaries provide something pure automation cannot Read more

As a Pennsylvania notary, safeguarding your tools—such as your official stamp and journal—is essential to staying compliant. However, despite your best efforts, there may be times when your equipment is lost, stolen, or otherwise misplaced. Read more

In the state of Pennsylvania, the terms "Notary Public" and "Notary Signing Agent" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct roles with specific responsibilities. Understanding the differences between these two positions is crucial for both professionals in the field and individuals Read more

Join PAN for our upcoming free webinar, "Top Notary Questions," scheduled for Friday, March 1st, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. During the webinar, we will address the most common questions received by our Member Service Representatives in the past year. Following the presentation, there will be a question Read more

As a notary in Pennsylvania, one of the most important things you can do as a notary is to demand personal appearance of your customers. At PAN, we consider it the “Golden Rule” for being a notary. Read more

Our Find a Notary feature on our website, allows you to search for notaries in your area. Simply enter your zip code and the distance, and the tool will provide you with a list of nearby notaries. You can even filter your search by language and services offered. Read more

As one of the Instructors at PAN, I think it is important to understand the process and steps our members take to schedule PearsonVUE’s online exam “OnVUE.” So, I decided to let my commission expire, and take the exam online to share my experience firsthand with you. Read more

The City of Philadelphia Records Department has an improved email alert service available to all notaries public to help them determine if their signature and notary stamp were used fraudulently on a document recorded in the Department. Read more

PAN will be presenting our latest webinar “Notary Trivia” on Friday, August 26th. The webinar will be interactive, with participants testing their notary knowledge on a variety of topics. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. Read more

When you are in the process of renewing your notary commission, it is important to know when you can start using your new official stamp. Read more

The Pennsylvania Department of State notes that the notary wording attached to or logically associated with an electronic notarial act must indicate that the act involved the use of communication technology. Read more

If you have been a notary for almost 4 years, it is time to renew your notary commission! We're here to help you through every step of the way. Read more

A signature by mark is an alternative to writing a full signature. In this article, we discuss what we suggest is best when notarizing a signature by mark. Read more

More often than not, customers do not know what type of notarization they need. If the document doesn’t have the proper notary wording to indicate what act to perform, your customer has to choose a notarial act to be performed. But how can they choose if they don’t understand? Read more

Social media is more than a place to share funny videos of cats with your family and friends. Notaries can use it as a powerful marketing tool to help attract new customers and build lasting relationships. Read more

As 2022 approaches, it is time to review some of the most important rules a notary must follow! No matter how long you have been a commissioned notary, it is good to refresh your knowledge of the basics each year. Read more