NOTARY ACTS

An oath is a public declaration, usually based on an appeal to a higher power, that the person making the declaration will keep a promise or perform a duty faithfully. An affirmation is equivalent to an oath but without reference to a higher power. Oaths or affirmations may be spoken (for example, an oath of office) or may be written and signed by the customer.

A verification on oath or affirmation certifies that the customer took an oath or affirmation and signed a statement in the notary’s presence. The customer is responsible for the truth and accuracy of the statement to which the verification on oath or affirmation is attached. 

An acknowledgment is a statement by the customer that they signed a record, intended to sign the record, and knew what they were doing at the time. Acknowledgments are required on records (for example, mortgages, deeds, wills, and powers of attorney) that will be recorded in the public record. 

The notarial wording to witness or attest a signature states that the notary was present and saw the customer sign the record. Unlike other notarial acts, witnessing or attesting a signature does not require the customer to take an oath or affirmation, or to acknowledge his or her signature.

A notary is authorized to certify or attest that a copy of a record or a deposition transcript is a complete and accurate reproduction of an original record or transcript. The notary must havethe original record or transcript and the copy in hand to make the comparison.

Noting protests Pennsylvania notaries are authorized to issue protests under Section 3505 of the Uniform Commercial Code (13 Pa.C.S. §3505). This notarial act is extremely rare. A notary who issues a protest not in accordance with Section 3505 may face disciplinary action.