Pennsylvania Association of Notaries

06/12/2026

PAN has seen an increase in deed fraud concerns in Allegheny County.

Our President, Marc Aronson, is currently dealing with matters involving at least 7 different notaries and approximately 30 deeds processed in Allegheny County. This is a serious reminder that notaries are often one of the first lines of defense against real estate fraud.

Deed fraud may involve forged signatures, false identification, impersonation, or improper notarization. Once a fraudulent deed is recorded, the property owner may face serious legal and financial challenges to recover their property.

Notaries can help prevent deed fraud by:

✅ Requiring the signer to personally appear

✅ Carefully verifying identity with satisfactory evidence

✅ Inspecting ID for red flags

✅ Completing a detailed journal entry

✅ Refusing to notarize blank or incomplete documents

✅ Making sure the certificate of notarial act (notary wording) is accurate

✅ Refusing the notarization if something feels wrong

06/08/2026

When performing acknowledgments in Pennsylvania, notaries should understand the three common types and how each depends on the signer’s role or capacity.

✅ Individual Acknowledgment

The customer signs the record on their own behalf.

✅ Acknowledgment in a Representative Capacity

The customer signs on behalf of another entity, most commonly a business, corporation, or organization, as an authorized representative.

✅ Acknowledgment by an Attorney-at-Law

An attorney takes a client’s acknowledgment, then appears before the notary and acknowledges, as a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court bar, that the client signed the record before them and understood what they were doing when signing.

Knowing the difference helps ensure the notarial certificate matches the signer’s role, and the correct acknowledgment is completed.

06/05/2026

When it’s National Donut Day, you don’t just get any donut… you get Oram’s! 🍩Happy Friday, everyone!

06/02/2026

Ever wonder what your notary stamp would say if it could talk?

Check out our latest blog for a unique, first-person look at "A Day in the Life of a PAN Rubber Stamp Seal."

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 signatu

06/01/2026

Be smart out there PA Drivers.

PA DRIVERS: The grace period is ending.

While Paul Miller’s Law is already in effect, making it illegal to hold a phone or mobile device while driving (even at red lights!), the official fine deadline is just around the corner.

Starting June 5, 2026, violations will cost you:

A $50 fine plus court costs and fees.

Remember, this is a primary offense. Police can pull you over solely for holding your phone.

What IS allowed?

100% hands-free use (including Bluetooth, voice controls, and properly mounted devices).

At E. R. Munro and Company, we want to help you build safer driving habits before the penalties kick in. Let’s work together to keep PA roads safe.

Put the phone down. Drive hands-free. Stay safe.

06/01/2026

📬 Look what just landed in your inbox!

The June edition of Notary Notes is officially out, PAN members! Grab a coffee and dive into this month's issue.

🚗 Agents & Messengers: A crucial reminder to check your PennDOT contract expiration dates and stay compliant.

✍️ The Power of Notarization: A back-to-basics refresher on the core responsibilities and the true significance of what you do every time you stamp a document.

❓ Notary Q&A: We are answering your questions regarding electronic identification and maintaining your journal records.

05/29/2026

We had a fantastic time yesterday leading the PennDOT Motor Vehicle Seminar at the Ebensburg Auto Auction!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our instructors, Crystalann Jones and Brian Crocker, for a great day of learning. We’re already looking forward to seeing you all again next year! 🚗📝

05/27/2026

Summer travel season is almost here! ✈️

Pennsylvania notaries may see an increase in requests for notarized Letters of Parental Consent for Minor Child to Travel as families prepare for vacations, cruises, school trips, sports travel, and visits with relatives.

PAN offers a free downloadable Letter of Parental Consent for Minor Child to Travel form on our website as a helpful resource for PA notaries.

Download the free form here:

https://www.notary.org/documents/28

05/26/2026

Does your notary commission expire within the next 6 months? Don’t wait to renew!

Renewals can take time to process, so it’s best to start early and avoid any lapse in your commission.

We’re here to guide you through every step of the renewal process.

Questions? Call us at (800) 944-8790 or chat with us online.

Ready to renew? Visit: https://www.notary.org/pa-notary-renewal

05/21/2026

Notary mistakes can happen — and your notary bond may not protect you. Learn how Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance can help protect commissioned notaries from covered claims, legal fees, and financial loss.

https://www.notary.org/notary-blog/2026/5/article-why-notaries-should-consider-errors-and-omissions-insurance