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Remote online notarization is legal in Pennsylvania under 57 Pa.C.S. §306.1 (Act 97 of 2020). Pennsylvania applies its standard $5-per-act notarial fee to remote sessions — there is no separate RON surcharge in statute. Platform fees may be charged separately with advance disclosure.
- ✅ Status: Legal
- 📅 Effective: 2020 (Act 97 of 2020)
- 🪪 ID: Dynamic KBA + credential analysis or credible witness.
- 🎥 Retention: Maintain A/V and journal per DoS guidance; typical retention 10 years.
- 💵 Fees: Follow PA fee schedule (commonly $5 per act); no separate RON surcharge in statute.
- 🔗 Statute: 57 Pa.C.S. § 301–331; Act 97 of 2020; 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1
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Is remote online notarization legal in Pennsylvania? Yes — Pennsylvania authorizes remote online notarization under 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1, enacted as Act 97 of 2020. Pennsylvania applies its standard $5-per-act notarial fee to remote sessions — there is no separate RON surcharge authorized by statute. Platform fees may be charged separately with advance disclosure. Notaries must register before performing remote sessions.
Pennsylvania’s RON Framework: Act 97 of 2020
Pennsylvania enacted its RON authorization through Act 97 of 2020, codified at 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1, within the broader notarial acts statute at 57 Pa.C.S. §§ 301–331. The RON provision added the specific remote online notarization authority to Pennsylvania’s existing notarial framework. The law requires real-time two-way audio-video communication, identity verification through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (or personal knowledge or credible witness), electronic journal maintenance, and session recording retention.
Pennsylvania notaries must complete the RON registration process before conducting remote sessions. The registration step is required beyond holding a standard Pennsylvania notary commission. Platform compliance with Pennsylvania’s technical requirements must also be confirmed before beginning practice.
Pennsylvania’s Fee Structure: $5 Cap, No Separate RON Surcharge
Pennsylvania’s notarial fee statute applies the standard $5-per-act cap to remote online notarizations. Unlike states that authorize a separate technology surcharge on top of the base notarial fee, Pennsylvania’s statute does not include such an add-on. Platform fees charged by the RON technology provider are separate from the notarial fee and may be disclosed and charged to signers as a distinct line item.
For Pennsylvania notaries building a RON practice, the $5 notarial fee cap means that the economics of RON depend on understanding the distinction between the capped notarial component and the uncapped-but-disclosed platform fee. Clear upfront communication to clients about both components is essential.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s Eastern Economy
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and one of the country’s major economic centers. The Philadelphia metro hosts a significant healthcare and life sciences sector (Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a major pharmaceutical research corridor), financial services (Vanguard in nearby Malvern — the world’s second-largest asset manager), legal services, and an active real estate market. Out-of-state buyers — New York City residents purchasing Philadelphia properties attracted by lower prices and strong return potential — are RON users completing transactions without traveling to Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has transformed from an industrial city to a technology, healthcare, and education hub. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh anchor a significant research and robotics/AI technology sector. The Pittsburgh real estate market has been active, with in-migration from coastal cities contributing to transaction volume. UPMC — one of the country’s largest academic medical centers — is the region’s dominant employer and generates healthcare and employment document demand.
Rural Pennsylvania — the Appalachian communities of central Pennsylvania, the northern tier, and the farming regions of Lancaster and York counties — benefits from RON’s ability to serve dispersed residents without requiring travel to city centers.
Getting Started in Pennsylvania
For Pennsylvania notaries pursuing RON authorization under 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1 — including the registration process, $5 fee cap structure, platform selection, and step-by-step guidance — see the Pennsylvania RON notary how-to guide.
What’s Allowed under RON
- ✓ Acknowledgments
- ✓ Oaths/Affirmations
- ✓ Jurats
- ✓ Witnessing (as allowed)
- ✓ Copy certifications (as allowed)
Core Requirements
ID Requirements
Dynamic KBA + credential analysis or credible witness.
Audio-Video Standards
Two-way A/V with recording; tamper-evident process.
Journal / Recordkeeping
Electronic journal required with entries for identity proofing and fees.
Retention / Recording
Maintain A/V and journal per DoS guidance; typical retention 10 years.
Fees & Limits
Follow PA fee schedule (commonly $5 per act); no separate RON surcharge in statute.
Platform / Vendor Approval
Choose platforms meeting PA DoS RULONA guidance.|Choose platforms meeting PA DoS RULONA guidance.
FAQ
What are the primary benefits of remote notarization in Pennsylvania?
Remote notarization offers convenience, accessibility, and the ability to complete notarization without the need for in-person meetings, saving time for both notaries and clients.
What technology is required for remote notarization in Pennsylvania?
Notaries must utilize audio-visual communication technology that complies with Pennsylvania's legal standards to ensure secure and reliable connections.
Is remote notarization valid for all types of documents in Pennsylvania?
Remote notarization is valid for many types of documents, but specific legal considerations and restrictions may apply, so it's important to verify the suitability for each document type.
How can clients verify the legitimacy of a remote notarization?
Clients can ensure the legitimacy of a remote notarization by confirming that the notary is registered with the Department of State and by asking for the notary's electronic seal and signature on the document.
What are the risks associated with remote notarization?
Potential risks include issues related to technology failures, identity verification challenges, and the possibility of unauthorized access to sensitive information if security measures are not followed.
How do remote notarization laws vary across different states?
Remote notarization laws can differ significantly; some states fully embrace it while others have restrictions or no legislation, making it important to check specific state regulations before proceeding.
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