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Notary Blog

Notary and Motor Vehicle News

The latest information on notary and motor vehicle news for the state of Pennsylvania.

The Diference Between an Oath or Affirmation and a Verification on Oath or Affirmation

by PAN
Difference between an oath or affirmation and a verification on oath or affirmation. Read more

A Guide to Notarial Wording

by PAN
Always look for proper notarial wording before notarizing any document. Read more

Documentary Fee Increase for 2023

by PAN
A motor vehicle dealer may charge a negotiable documentary fee ("doc fee") to prepare and complete title and registration paperwork, to collect and submit taxes, to prepare any other information associated with titling and registering a vehicle, and to comply with federal and state laws and Read more

Changes to Notarization Requirements for PennDOT Applications

by PAN
Act 15, signed into law on April 20, 2020, now allows for the use of an “Unsworn Declaration” to be used in place of notarization on some PennDOT applications. Read more

Need to Find Your Notary Commission Number?

by PAN
An easy way to find your notary commission number and expiration date that's available 24-7. Read more

Witnessing or Attesting a Signature

by PAN
Witnessing or attesting a signature authorizes a notary to witness or attest a signature. Read more

Motor Vehicle Q&A for Notaries

Frequently asked questions from notaries on motor vehicle topics. Read more

PennDOT Policy Change for Verifying Identification

In a memo to all PennDOT Business Partners dated December 8, 2021, the Director of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced a policy change for verifying identification. Read more

How to Handle Multiple Signers

More than one signer for a document to be notarized? Read more

What Am I doing When I'm Witnessing or Attesting a Signature?

by PAN
PAN addresses confusion about the notarial act - witnessing or attesting a signature. Read more

Verification of Identity by PennDOT Business Partners for Motor Vehicle Transactions

by PAN
Currently, PennDOT business partners (Agents) are required to attach a legible photocopy of the front and back of the accepted identification credentials along with any title and/or registration application submitted to PennDOT or processed through PennDOT Online Programs. Read more

What to Do When There's No Notary Wording

by PAN
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

What Should You Do if Your Stamp is Stolen?

by PAN
What would you do if you notary stamp was stolen? In this article, we discuss what steps to take if you notary equipment is stolen or misplaced. Read more

The I-9 Form - To Notarize or Not to Notarize

by PAN
Notaries have questioned whether the I-9 needs to be notarized since 2013. Read more

Your Middle Name and the Department of State

by PAN
Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the use of a middle name on PAN applications and Pearson VUE exams. Read more

Info on the Pearson VUE Notary Exam Process

by PAN
Information on the notary exam given by Pearson VUE. Read more

Odometer Exemption Change Effective January 1, 2021

by PAN
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final ruling to amend the odometer disclosure exemption from 10 years to 20 years. The final rule is effective January 1, 2021. Read more

Notarizing a Signature By Mark in Pennsylvania

by PAN
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

Not a Member?

If you make a mistake you can be held liable, which could result in a claim against your $10,000 bond. The Pennsylvania Association of Notaries (PAN) can help you notarize documents that confuse you.

Become a Member