A notary public in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is an appointed official who acts as an impartial witness and helps defend against fraud.
In Pennsylvania, a notary public is empowered to perform six official acts: taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification on oath or affirmation (includes an affidavit), witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy or deposition, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument.
As early as 1727, British-appointed notaries sympathetic to American independence, began administering "Oaths of Allegiance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," in which individuals renounced their loyalty to Britain.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, notaries and Commissioners of Deeds played vital roles in documenting the formation of the country.
They performed the notarial acts necessitated by owning property and titling land, electing governmental leaders, and building the economy.
Until July 1, 2003, the law required notaries to be residents of the state; non-residents were appointed commissioners of deeds, essentially a similar position.
Thereafter, anyone who resides or works in Pennsylvania can be appointed as a notary, and the commissioner of deeds designation no longer exists.