Docsity
Docsity

Prepare for your exams
Prepare for your exams

Study with the several resources on Docsity


Earn points to download
Earn points to download

Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan


Guidelines and tips
Guidelines and tips

PA NOTARY LICENSE EXAM Questions and Answers Latest Updates 2024.pdf, Exams of Public Relations

PA NOTARY LICENSE EXAM Questions and Answers Latest Updates 2024.pdf

Typology: Exams

2023/2024

Available from 03/22/2024

TUTOR1
TUTOR1 🇺🇸

3.6

(15)

2.4K documents

Partial preview of the text

Download PA NOTARY LICENSE EXAM Questions and Answers Latest Updates 2024.pdf and more Exams Public Relations in PDF only on Docsity!

PA NOTARY LICENSE EXAM

Questions and Answers Latest

Updates 2024

§ 304. Authority to perform notarial act. Permitted Acts - ANSWER (a) Permitted.--A notarial officer may perform a notarial act authorized by this chapter or by statutory provision other than this chapter. § 304. Authority to perform notarial act. Prohibited Acts - ANSWER (a) Prohibited.-- (1) A notarial officer may not perform a notarial act with respect to a record in which the notarial officer or the notarial officer's spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest. (2) For the purpose of this subsection, none of the following shall constitute a direct or pecuniary interest: (i) being a shareholder in a publicly traded company that is a party to the notarized transaction; (ii) being an officer, director or employee of a company that is a party to the notarized transaction, unless the director, officer or employee personally benefits from the transaction other than as provided under subparagraph (iii); or (iii) receiving a fee that is not contingent upon the completion of the notarized transaction. (3) A notarial act performed in violation of this subsection is voidable. § 305. Requirements for certain notarial acts. Acknowledgements - ANSWER (a) Acknowledgments.--A notarial officer who takes an acknowledgment of a record shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following: (1) The individual appearing before the notarial officer and making the acknowledgment has the identity claimed. (2) The signature on the record is the signature of the individual. § 305. Requirements for certain notarial acts. Verifications - ANSWER (b) Verifications.--A notarial officer who takes a verification of a statement on oath or affirmation shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following: (1) The individual appearing before the notarial officer and making the verification has the identity claimed.

(2) The signature on the statement verified is the signature of the individual. (3) § 305. Requirements for certain notarial acts. Signatures - ANSWER (c) Signatures.--A notarial officer who witnesses or attests to a signature shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, all of the following: (1) The individual appearing before the notarial officer and signing the record has the identity claimed. (2) The signature on the record is the signature of the individual. § 305. Requirements for certain notarial acts. Copies - ANSWER (d) Copies.--A notarial officer who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item which was copied shall determine that the copy is a complete and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item. § 305. Requirements for certain notarial acts. Negotiable Instruments - ANSWER (e) Negotiable instruments.--A notarial officer who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument shall determine the matters set forth in 13 Pa.C.S. § 3505(b) (relating to evidence of dishonor). § 306. Personal appearance required. - ANSWER If a notarial act relates to a statement made in or a signature executed on a record, the individual making the statement or executing the signature shall appear personally before the notarial officer. § 307. Identification of individual. Personal Knowledge - ANSWER (a) Personal knowledge.--A notarial officer has personal knowledge of the identity of an individual appearing before the notarial officer if the individual is personally known to the notarial officer through dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the individual has the identity claimed. § 307. Identification of individual. Satisfactory Evidence - ANSWER (a) Satisfactory evidence.--A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence of the identity of an individual appearing before the notarial officer if the notarial officer can identify the individual as set forth in any of the following paragraphs: (1) By means set forth in any of the following subparagraphs: (i) A passport, driver's license or government-issued nondriver identification card, which is current and unexpired. (ii) Another form of government identification issued to an individual, which: (A)is current; (B) contains the signature or a photograph of the individual; (C) and is satisfactory to the notarial officer.

(2) By a verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally appearing before the notarial officer and personally known to the notarial officer. § 307. Identification of individual. Discretion - ANSWER (c) Discretion.--A notarial officer may require an individual to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the notarial officer of the identity of the individual. § 308. Authority to refuse to perform notarial act. Specific Refusal - ANSWER (a) Specific refusal.--A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notarial officer is not satisfied that: (1) the individual executing the record is competent or has the capacity to execute the record; (2) the individual's signature is knowingly and voluntarily made; (3) the individual's signature on the record or statement substantially conforms to the signature on a form of identification used to determine the identity of the individual; or (4) the physical appearance of the individual signing the record or statement substantially conforms to the photograph on a form of identification used to determine the identity of the individual. § 308. Authority to refuse to perform notarial act. General Refusal - ANSWER (b) General refusal.--A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act unless refusal is prohibited by law other than this chapter. § 309. Signature if individual unable to sign (Reserved). - ANSWER (Reserved) § 310. Notarial act in this Commonwealth. Eligible Individuals - ANSWER (a) Eligible individuals.--A notarial act may be performed in this Commonwealth by any of the following: (1) A judge of a court of record. (2) A clerk, prothonotary or deputy prothonotary or deputy clerk of a court having a seal. (3)Any of the following: (i) A recorder of deeds. (ii) A deputy recorder of deeds. (iii) A clerk of a recorder of deeds to the extent authorized by: (A) section 1 of the act of May 17, 1949 (P.L. 1397, No. 414), entitled "An act authorizing the recorder of deeds in counties of the first class to appoint and empower clerks

employed in his office to administer oaths and affirmations"; (B) section 1312 of the act of July 28, 1953 (P.L. 723, No. 230), known as the Second Class County Code; or (C) section 1313 of the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130), known as The County Code. (4) A notary public. (5) A member of the minor judiciary. As used in this paragraph, the term "minor judiciary" has the meaning given in 42 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions). (6) An individual authorized by law to perform a specific notarial act. § 310. Notarial act in this Commonwealth. Prima Facie Evidence - ANSWER (b) Prima facie evidence.--The signature and title of an individual performing a notarial act in this Commonwealth are prima facie evidence that: (1) the signature is genuine; and (2) the individual holds the designated title. § 310. Notarial act in this Commonwealth. Conclusive Determination - ANSWER (c) Conclusive determination.--The signature and title of a notarial officer described in subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) conclusively establish the authority of the notarial officer to perform the notarial act. § 311. Notarial act in another state. Effect - ANSWER (a) Effect.--A notarial act performed in another state has the same effect under the law of this Commonwealth as if performed by a notarial officer of this Commonwealth if the act performed in that state is performed by any of the following: (1) A notary public of that state. (2) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of that state. (3) An individual authorized by the law of that state to perform the notarial act. § 311. Notarial act in another state. Prima Facie Evidence - ANSWER (b) Prima facie evidence.--The signature and title of an individual performing a notarial act in another state are prima facie evidence that:

(1) the signature is genuine; and (2) the individual holds the designated title. § 311. Notarial act in another state. Conclusive Determination - ANSWER (b) Conclusive determination.--The signature and title of a notarial officer described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) conclusively establish the authority of the notarial officer to perform the notarial act. § 312. Notarial act under authority of federally recognized Indian tribe. Effect - ANSWER (a) Effect.--A notarial act performed under the authority and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe has the same effect as if performed by a notarial officer of this Commonwealth if the act performed in the jurisdiction of the tribe is performed by any of the following: (1) A notary public of the tribe. (2) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of the tribe. (3) An individual authorized by the law of the tribe to perform the notarial act § 312. Notarial act under authority of federally recognized Indian tribe. Prima Facie Evidence - ANSWER (b) Prima facie evidence.--The signature and title of an individual performing a notarial act under the authority of and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe are prima facie evidence that: (1) the signature is genuine; and (2) the individual holds the designated title. § 312. Notarial act under authority of federally recognized Indian tribe. Conclusive Determination - ANSWER (b) Conclusive determination.--The signature and title of a notarial officer described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) conclusively establish the authority of the notarial officer to perform the notarial act. § 313. Notarial act under Federal authority. Effect - ANSWER (a) Effect.--A notarial act performed under Federal law has the same effect under the law of this Commonwealth

as if performed by a notarial officer of this Commonwealth if the act performed under Federal law is performed by any of the following: (1) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court. (2) An individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under Federal law. (3) An individual designated a notarizing officer by the United States Department of State for performing notarial acts overseas. (4) An individual authorized by Federal law to perform the notarial act. § 313. Notarial act under Federal authority. Prima Facie Evidence - ANSWER (a) Prima facie evidence.--The signature and title of an individual acting under Federal authority and performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that: (1) the signature is genuine; and (2) the individual holds the designated title. § 313. Notarial act under Federal authority. Conclusive Determination - ANSWER (a) Conclusive determination.--The signature and title of a notarial officer described in subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) conclusively establish the authority of the notarial officer to perform the notarial act. § 314. Foreign notarial act. (Reserved) - ANSWER (a) (Reserved). § 314. Foreign notarial act. Effect - ANSWER (b) Effect.--(1) This subsection applies to a notarial act: (i) performed under authority and in the jurisdiction of a foreign state or constituent unit of the foreign state; or (ii) performed under the authority of a multinational or international governmental organization. (2) A notarial act under paragraph (1) has the same effect under the law of this Commonwealth as if performed by a notarial officer of this Commonwealth.

§ 314. Foreign notarial act. Conclusive Establishment - ANSWER (c) Conclusive establishment.--If the title of office and indication of authority to perform notarial acts in a foreign state appears in a digest of foreign law or in a list customarily used as a source for that information, the authority of an officer with that title to perform notarial acts is conclusively established. § 314. Foreign notarial act. Prima Facie Evidence - ANSWER (d) Prima facie evidence.--The signature and official stamp of an individual holding an office described in subsection (c) are prima facie evidence that: (1) the signature is genuine; and (2) the individual holds the designated title. § 314. Foreign notarial act. Hague Convention - ANSWER (e) Hague Convention.-- (1) This subsection applies to an apostille which is: (i) in the form prescribed by the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961; and (ii) issued by a foreign state party to the Hague Convention. (2) An apostille under paragraph (1) conclusively establishes that: (i) the signature of the notarial officer is genuine; and (ii) the notarial officer holds the indicated office. § 314. Foreign notarial act. Consular Authentications - ANSWER (f) Consular authentications.-- (1) This subsection applies to a consular authentication: (i) issued by an individual designated by the United States Department of State as a notarizing officer for performing notarial acts overseas; and (ii) attached to the record with respect to which the notarial act is performed. (2) A consular authentication under paragraph (1) conclusively establishes that: (i) the signature of the notarial officer is genuine; and

(ii) the notarial officer holds the indicated office. § 314. Foreign notarial act. Foreign State Definition - ANSWER (g) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "foreign state" means a government other than the United States, a state or a federally recognized Indian tribe. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Requirements - ANSWER (a) Requirements.-- (1)A notarial act shall be evidenced by a certificate. (2) Regardless of whether the notarial officer is a notary public, the certificate must: (i) be executed contemporaneously with the performance of the notarial act; (ii) be signed and dated by the notarial officer; (iii) identify the county and State in which the notarial act is performed; and (iv) contain the title of office of the notarial officer. (3) If the notarial officer is a notary public, all of the following subparagraphs apply: (i) The notary public must: (A) sign the notary public's name exactly and only as it appears on the commission; or (B) execute the notary public's electronic signature in a manner which attributes the signature to the notary public identified in the commission. (ii) The certificate must indicate the date of expiration of the notarial officer's commission. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Official Stamp - ANSWER (b) Official stamp.-- (1) If a notarial act regarding a tangible record is performed by a notary public, an official stamp shall be affixed to the certificate near the notary public's signature in a form capable of photographic reproduction. (2) If a notarial act is performed regarding a tangible record by a notarial officer other than a notary public and the certificate contains the information specified in subsection (a)(2)(ii), (iii) and (iv), an official stamp may be affixed to the certificate. (3) If a notarial act regarding an electronic record is performed by a notary public and the

certificate contains the information specified in subsection (a)(2)(ii), (iii) and (iv) and (3), an official stamp may be attached to or logically associated with the certificate. (4) If a notarial act regarding an electronic record is performed by a notarial officer other than a notary public and the certificate contains the information specified in subsection (a)(2)(ii), (iii) and (iv), an official stamp may be attached to or logically associated with the certificate. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Sufficiency - ANSWER (b) Sufficiency.--A certificate of a notarial act is sufficient if it meets the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) and: (1) is in a short form set forth in section 316 (relating to short form certificates); (2) is in a form otherwise permitted by a statutory provision; (3) is in a form permitted by the law applicable in the jurisdiction in which the notarial act was performed; or (4) sets forth the actions of the notarial officer and the actions are sufficient to meet the requirements of the notarial act as provided in: (i) sections 305 (relating to requirements for certain notarial acts), 306 (relating to personal appearance required) and 307 (relating to identification of individual); or (ii) a statutory provision other than this chapter. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Effect - ANSWER (b) Effect.--By executing a certificate of a notarial act, a notarial officer certifies that the notarial officer has complied with the requirements and made the determinations specified in sections 304 (relating to authority to perform notarial act), 305 and 306. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Prohibition - ANSWER (b) Prohibition.--A notarial officer may not affix the notarial officer's signature to or logically associate it with a certificate until the notarial act has been performed. § 315. Certificate of notarial act - Process - ANSWER (b) Process.-- (1) If a notarial act is performed regarding a tangible record, a certificate shall be part of or securely attached to the record.

(2) If a notarial act is performed regarding an electronic record, the certificate shall be affixed to or logically associated with the electronic record. (3) If the department has established standards under section 327 (relating to regulations) for attaching, affixing or logically associating the certificate, the process must conform to the standards. § 316. Short form certificates. (1) For an acknowledgment in an individual capacity: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (1) For an acknowledgment in an individual capacity: State of County of This record was acknowledged before me on (date) by (name(s) of individual(s)) Signature of notarial officer Stamp Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (2) For an acknowledgment in a representative capacity: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (2) For an acknowledgment in a representative capacity: State of County of This record was acknowledged before me on (date) by (name(s) of individual(s)) as (type of authority, such as officer or trustee) who represent that (he, she or they) are authorized to act on behalf of (name of party on behalf of whom record was executed). Signature of notarial officer Stamp

Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (2.1) For an acknowledgment by an attorney at law pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 327 (relating to oaths and acknowledgments): The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (2.1) For an acknowledgment by an attorney at law pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 327 (relating to oaths and acknowledgments): State of County of County of This record was acknowledged before me on (date) by (name of attorney) Supreme Court identification number as a member of the bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court certified that he/she was personally present when (name(s) of individual(s)) executed the record and that (name(s) of individual(s)) executed the record for the purposes contained therein. Signature of notarial officer Stamp Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (3) For a verification on oath or affirmation: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (3) For a verification on oath or affirmation: State of County of Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _ (date) by (name(s) of individual(s) making statement)

Signature of notarial officer Stamp Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (4) For witnessing or attesting a signature: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (4) For witnessing or attesting a signature: State of County of Signed (or attested) before me on (date) by (name(s) of individual(s)) Signature of notarial officer Stamp Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (5) For certifying a copy of a record: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (5) For certifying a copy of a record: State of County of I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a in the possession of Dated Signature of notarial officer Stamp

Title of office My commission expires: § 316. Short form certificates. (6) For certifying the transcript of a deposition: The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated if completed with the information required by section 315(a) and (b) (relating to certificate of notarial act): - ANSWER (6) For certifying the transcript of a deposition: State of County of I certify that this is a true and correct copy of the transcript of the deposition of Dated Signature of notarial officer Stamp Title of office My commission expires: § 317. Official stamp. - ANSWER The following shall apply to the official stamp of a notary public: (1) A notary public shall provide and keep an official seal, which shall be used to authenticate all the acts, instruments and attestations of the notary public. The seal must be a rubber stamp and must show clearly in the following order: (i) The words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." (ii) The words "Notary Seal." (iii) The name as it appears on the commission of the notary public and the words "Notary Public." (iv) The name of the county in which the notary public maintains an office. (v) The date the notary public's commission expires. (vi) Any other information required by the department.

(2) The seal must have a maximum height of one inch and width of three and one-half inches, with a plain border. The seal must be capable of being copied together with the record to which it is affixed or attached or with which it is logically associated. § 318. Stamping device. Security. - ANSWER (a) Security.--(1) A notary public is responsible for the security of the stamping device of the notary public. A notary public may not allow another individual to use the device to perform a notarial act. (2) On resignation of a notary public commission or on the expiration of the date set forth in the stamping device, the notary public shall disable the stamping device by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner which renders it unusable. (2.1) An individual whose notary public commission has been suspended or revoked shall surrender possession of the stamping device to the department. (3) On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a notary public, the personal representative or guardian of the notary public or any person knowingly in possession of the stamping device shall render it unusable by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner which renders it unusable. § 318. Stamping device. Loss or theft. - ANSWER (b) Loss or theft.--If a stamping device is lost or stolen, the notary public or the personal representative or guardian of the notary public shall notify the department promptly upon discovering that the device is lost or stolen. § 319. Journal. Maintenance - ANSWER (a) Maintenance.--A notary public shall maintain a journal in which the notary public records in chronological order all notarial acts that the notary public performs. § 319. Journal. Format - ANSWER (a) Format.--A journal may be created on a tangible medium or in an electronic format. A notary public may maintain a separate journal for tangible records and for electronic records. If the journal is maintained on a tangible medium, it shall be a bound register with numbered pages. If the journal is maintained in an electronic format, it shall be in a tamper-evident electronic format complying with the regulations of the department.

§ 319. Journal. Entries - ANSWER (a) Entries.--An entry in a journal shall be made contemporaneously with performance of the notarial act and contain all of the following information: (1) The date and time of the notarial act. (2) A description of the record, if any, and type of notarial act. (3) The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed. (4) If identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect. (5) If identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and any identification credential presented, including the date of issuance and expiration of an identification credential. (6) The fee charged by the notary public. § 319. Journal. Loss or theft - ANSWER (d) Loss or theft.--If a journal is lost or stolen, the notary public shall promptly notify the department on discovering that the journal is lost or stolen. § 319. Journal. Termination of office - ANSWER (d) Termination of office.--A notary public shall deliver the journal of the notary public to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary public last maintained an office within 30 days of: (1) expiration of the commission of the notary public, unless the notary public applies for a commission within that time period; (2) resignation of the commission of the notary public; or (3) revocation of the commission of the notary public. § 319. Journal. Repository - ANSWER (Reserved) § 319. Journal. Death or on competency - ANSWER (d) Death or incompetency.--On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a current or former notary public, the personal representative or guardian of the notary public or a person knowingly in

possession of the journal of the notary public shall deliver it within 30 days to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary public last maintained an office. § 319. Journal. Certified copies - ANSWER (g.1) Certified copies.--A notary public shall give a certified copy of the journal to a person that applies for it. § 319. Journal. Protection - ANSWER (d) Protection.-- (1) A journal and each public record of the notary public are exempt from execution. (2) A journal is the exclusive property of the notary public. (3) A journal may not be: (i) used by any person other than the notary public; or surrendered to an employer of the notary public upon termination of employment. § 320. Notification regarding performance of notarial act on electronic record; selection of technology. Selection - ANSWER (a) Selection.--A notary public may select one or more tamper-evident technologies to perform notarial acts with respect to electronic records. A person may not require a notary public to perform a notarial act with respect to an electronic record with a technology that the notary public has not selected. § 320. Notification regarding performance of notarial act on electronic record; selection of technology. Notice & Approval - ANSWER (a) Notice and approval.-- (1) Before a notary public performs the initial notarial act with respect to an electronic record, a notary public shall notify the department that the notary public will be performing notarial acts with respect to electronic records and identify each technology the notary public intends to use. (2) If the department has established standards for approval of technology under section 327 (relating to regulations), the technology must conform to the standards. If the technology conforms to the standards, the department shall approve the use of the technology. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or

benefit. Eligibility - ANSWER (a) Eligibility.--An applicant for appointment and commission as a notary public must meet all of the following: (1) Be at least 18 years of age. (2) Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States. (3) Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this Commonwealth (4)Be able to read and write English. (5) Not be disqualified to receive a commission under section 323 (relating to sanctions). (6) Have passed the examination required under section 322(a) (relating toexamination, basic education and continuing education). (7) Comply with other requirements established by the department by regulation as necessary to insure the competence, integrity and qualifications of a notary public and to insure the proper performance of notarial acts. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Application - ANSWER (b) Application.--An individual qualified under subsection (a) may apply to the department for appointment and commission as a notary public. The application must comply with all of the following: (1) Be made to the department on a form prescribed by the department. (2) Be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $42, payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This amount shall include the application fee for notary public commission and fee for filing of the bond with the department. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Oath or Affirmation - ANSWER (c) Oath or affirmation.--Upon appointment and before issuance of a commission as a notary public, an applicant must execute an oath or affirmation of office. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. BOND - ANSWER (c) Bond.-- (1) Upon appointment and before issuance of a commission as a notary public, the applicant must obtain a surety bond in:

(i) the amount of $10,000; or (ii) the amount set by regulation of the department. (2) (Reserved). (3) The bond must: (i) be executed by an insurance company authorized to do business in this Commonwealth; (ii) cover acts performed during the term of the notary public commission; and (iii) be in the form prescribed by the department. (4) If a notary public violates law with respect to notaries public in this Commonwealth, the surety or issuing entity is liable under the bond. (5) The surety or issuing entity must give 30 days' notice to the department before canceling the bond. (6) The surety or issuing entity shall notify the department not later than 30 days after making a payment to a claimant under the bond. (7) A notary public may perform notarial acts in this Commonwealth only during the period in which a valid bond is on file with the department. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Official Signature - ANSWER (d.1) Official signature.-- (1) The official signature of each notary public shall be registered, for a fee of 50¢, in the "Notary Register" provided for that purpose in the prothonotary's office of the county where the notary public maintains an office within: (i) 45 days after appointment or reappointment; and (ii) 30 days after moving to a different county. (2) In a county of the second class, the official signature of each notary public shall be registered in the office of the clerk of courts within the time periods specified in paragraph (1). § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Recording & Filing - ANSWER (d.2) Recording and filing.--

(1) Within 45 days after appointment and prior to entering into the duties of a notary public, the bond, oath of office and commission must be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of the county in which the notary public maintains an office. (2) Upon reappointment, the bond, oath of office and commission must be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of the county in which the notary public maintains an office. (3) Within 90 days of recording under this subsection, a copy of the bond and oath of office must be filed with the department. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Issuance - ANSWER (e) Issuance.--On compliance with this section, the department shall issue to an applicant a commission as a notary public for a term of four years. § 321. Appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit. Effect - ANSWER (e) Effect.-- (1) A commission to act as a notary public authorizes a notary public to perform notarial acts. If a notary public fails to comply with subsection (d.1) or (d.2), the notary public's commission shall be null and void. (2) A commission to act as a notary public does not provide a notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by law of this Commonwealth on public officials or employees. § 322. Examination, basic education and continuing education. Examination - ANSWER (a) Examination.--An applicant for a commission as a notary public who does not hold a commission in this Commonwealth must pass an examination administered by the department or an entity approved by the department. The examination must be based on the course of study described in subsection (b). § 322. Examination, basic education and continuing education. Basic Education - ANSWER (b) Basic education.--An applicant under subsection (a) must, within the six-month period immediately preceding application, complete a course of at least three hours of notary public basic education approved by the department. For approval, the following apply:

(1) The course must cover the statutes, regulations, procedures and ethics relevant to notarial acts, with a core curriculum including the duties and responsibilities of the office of notary public and electronic notarization. (2) The course must either be interactive or classroom instruction. § 322. Examination, basic education and continuing education. Continuing Education - ANSWER (b) Continuing education.--An applicant for renewal of appointment and commission as a notary public must, within the six-month period immediately preceding application, complete a course of at least three hours of notary public continuing education approved by the department. For approval, the following apply: (1) The course must cover topics which ensure maintenance and enhancement of skill, knowledge and competency necessary to perform notarial acts. The course must either be interactive or classroom instruction. § 322. Examination, basic education and continuing education. PreApproval - ANSWER Preapproval.--All basic and continuing education courses of study must be preapproved by the department. § 323. Sanctions. Authority - ANSWER (a) Authority.--The department may deny, refuse to renew, revoke, suspend, reprimand or impose a condition on a commission as notary public for an act or omission which demonstrates that the individual lacks the honesty, integrity, competence or reliability to act as a notary public. Such acts or omissions include: (1) Failure to comply with this chapter. (2) A fraudulent, dishonest or deceitful misstatement or omission in the application for a commission as a notary public submitted to the department. (3) Conviction of or acceptance of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition by the applicant or notary public for a felony or an offense involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit. (4) A finding against or admission of liability by the applicant or notary public in a legal proceeding or disciplinary action based on the fraud, dishonesty or deceit of the applicant or notary public. (5) Failure by a notary public to discharge a duty required of a notary public, whether by this chapter, by regulation of the department or by Federal or State law.

(6) Use of false or misleading advertising or representation by a notary public representing that the notary public has a duty, right or privilege that the notary public does not have. (7) Violation by a notary public of a regulation of the department regarding a notary public. (8) Denial, refusal to renew, revocation, suspension or conditioning of a notary public commission in another state. Failure of a notary public to maintain a bond under section 321(d) (relating to appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit). § 323. Sanctions. Administrative penalty - ANSWER (a.1) Administrative penalty.--The department may impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 on a notary public for each act or omission which constitutes a violation of this chapter or on any person who performs a notarial act without being properly appointed and commissioned under this chapter. § 323. Sanctions. Administrative Agency Law - ANSWER (b) Administrative Agency Law.--Action by the department under subsection (a) or (a.1) is subject to 2 Pa.C.S. Chs. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and 7 Subch. A (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action). § 323. Sanctions. Other remedies - ANSWER (c) Other remedies.--The authority of the department under this section does not prevent a person from seeking and obtaining other criminal or civil remedies provided by law. § 323. Sanctions. Investigations & Hearings - ANSWER (d) Investigations and hearings.-- (1) The department may issue a subpoena, upon application of an attorney responsible for representing the Commonwealth in disciplinary matters before the department, for the purpose of investigating alleged violations of the disciplinary provisions administered by the department. (2) In an investigation or hearing, the department, as it deems necessary, may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine witnesses, take testimony and compel

the production of documents. (3) The department may apply to Commonwealth Court under 42 Pa.C.S. § 761(a)(2) (relating to original jurisdiction) to enforce a subpoena under this subsection. § 323. Sanctions. Other enforcement authority - ANSWER (e) Other enforcement authority.--The department may initiate civil proceedings at law or in equity to enforce the requirements of this chapter and to enforce regulations or orders issued under this chapter. In addition, the department may request the prosecution of criminal offenses to the extent provided by this chapter or as otherwise provided by law relating to notaries public, notarial officers or notarial acts, in the manner provided by the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L. 950, No. 164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act. § 323. Sanctions. Criminal Penalties Applicable - ANSWER (f) Criminal penalties applicable.--The following apply: (1) Except as provided in this chapter or otherwise provided by law, it is unlawful for a person to hold himself out as a notary public or as a notarial officer or to perform a notarial act. (2) Falsely pretending to be a notary public or a notarial officer and performing any action in furtherance of such false pretense shall subject the person to the penalties set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. § 4913 (relating to impersonating a notary public or a holder of a professional or occupational license). (3) The use of an official stamp by a person who is not a notary public named on the stamp shall constitute a violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4913. (4) Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), any person violating this chapter or a regulation of the department commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000. § 324. Database of notaries public. - ANSWER The department shall maintain an electronic database of notaries public: (1) through which a person may verify the authority of a notary public to perform notarial acts; and (2) which indicates whether a notary public has notified the department that the notary public will be performing notarial acts on electronic records.

§ 325. Prohibited acts. NO authority - ANSWER (a) No authority.--A commission as a notary public does not authorize the notary public to: (1) assist persons in drafting legal records, give legal advice or otherwise practice law; (2) act as an immigration consultant or an expert on immigration matters; (3) represent a person in a judicial or administrative proceeding relating to immigration to the United States, United States citizenship or related matters; or (4) receive compensation for performing any of the activities listed in this subsection. § 325. Prohibited acts. False Advertising - ANSWER (b) False advertising.--A notary public may not engage in false or deceptive advertising. § 325. Prohibited acts. Designation - ANSWER (c) Designation.-- Except as set forth in paragraph (2), a notary public may not use the term § 325. Prohibited acts. Representations - ANSWER (d)Representations.-- (1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the following apply: (i) A notary public may not advertise or represent that the notary public may: (A) assist persons in drafting legal records; (B) give legal advice; or (C) otherwise practice law. (ii) If a notary public advertises or represents that the notary public offers notarial services, whether orally or in a record, including broadcast media, print media and the Internet, the notary public shall include the following statement, or an alternate statement authorized or required by the department, in the advertisement or representation, prominently and in each language used in the advertisement or representation: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to

draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities. (iii) If the form of advertisement or representation is not broadcast media, print media or the Internet and does not permit inclusion of the statement required by this subsection because of size, it shall be displayed prominently or provided at the place of performance of the notarial act before the notarial act is performed. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an attorney at law. § 325. Prohibited acts. Original Records - ANSWER (e)Original records.--Except as otherwise allowed by law, a notary public may not withhold access to or possession of an original record provided by a person that seeks performance of a notarial act by the notary public. § 325. Prohibited acts. Crimes Code - ANSWER (f) Crimes Code.--There are provisions in 18 Pa.C.S. (relating to crimes and offenses) § 326. Validity of notarial acts. Failures - ANSWER (a) Failures.--Except as otherwise provided in section 304(b) (relating to authority to perform notarial act), the failure of a notarial officer to perform a duty or meet a requirement specified in this chapter does not invalidate a notarial act performed by the notarial officer. § 326. Validity of notarial acts. Invalidation - ANSWER (b) Invalidation.--The validity of a notarial act under this chapter does not prevent an aggrieved person from seeking to invalidate the record or transaction which is the subject of the notarial act or from seeking other remedies based on Federal law or the law of this Commonwealth other than this chapter. § 326. Validity of notarial acts. Lack of Authority - ANSWER (c) Lack of authority.--This section does not validate a purported notarial act performed by an individual who does not have the authority to perform notarial acts. § 327. Regulations - Authority - ANSWER (a) Authority.--Except as provided in section 329.1(a)(relating to fees of notaries public), the department may promulgate regulations

to implement this chapter. Regulations regarding the performance of notarial acts with respect to electronic records may not require or accord greater legal status or effect to the implementation or application of a specific technology or technical specification. Regulations may: (1) Prescribe the manner of performing notarial acts regarding tangible and electronic records. (2) Include provisions to ensure that any change to or tampering with a record bearing a certificate of a notarial act is self-evident. (3) Include provisions to ensure integrity in the creation, transmittal, storage or authentication of electronic records or signatures. (4) Prescribe the process of granting, renewing, conditioning, denying, suspending or revoking a notary public commission and assuring the trustworthiness of an individual holding a commission as notary public. (5) Include provisions to prevent fraud or mistake in the performance of notarial acts. (6) Establish the process for approving and accepting surety bonds under section 321(d) (relating to appointment and commission as notary public; qualifications; no immunity or benefit). (7) Provide for the administration of the examination under section 322(a) (relating to examination, basic education and continuing education) and the course of study under section 322(b). (7.1) Require applicants for appointment and commission as notaries public to submit criminal history record information as provided in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information) as a condition of appointment. (8) Include any other provision necessary to implement this chapter. § 327. Regulations - Considerations - ANSWER (b) Considerations.--In promulgating regulations about notarial acts with respect to electronic records, the department shall consider, so far as is consistent with this chapter: (1) the most recent standards regarding electronic records promulgated by national bodies, such as the National Association of Secretaries of State; (2) standards, practices and customs of other states which substantially enact the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts; and (3) the views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons.