Pennsylvania Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective October 29, 2020 · Last verified September 2026
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Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2020
- Statute
- 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1
- Bill Number
- HB 2370 (Act 97 of 2020)
Pennsylvania RON Law Overview
Pennsylvania authorized remote online notarization in 2020 by HB 2370 (Act 97 of 2020), codified at 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1, effective October 29, 2020. A Pennsylvania online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Pennsylvania who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement (3 hours of training required). The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania added remote notarization to its RULONA by Act 97 of 2020 (HB 2370), effective October 29, 2020. There is no separate endorsement: before the first remote act the notary notifies the Department of State and identifies the technology (§ 306.1(f); 4 Pa. Code § 167.81), and only Department-approved technology may be used (§§ 167.85–167.86). Identity is established by at least two different identity-proofing processes (§ 306.1(b)(1)(iii)) — credential analysis, dynamic knowledge-based authentication or biometrics (§ 167.86); the Department deliberately did not mandate a particular pair. Notaries complete three hours of basic education and three hours of continuing education (§ 322). Regulations effective March 28, 2026 (56 Pa.B. 1672) raised the bond to $25,000 for new and renewed commissions, set the technology-approval standards, and allow an additional fee of up to $20 per electronic or remote act (§ 167.3(b)). § 306.1 itself has not been amended since Act 97.
Legal Citations
Pennsylvania RON Requirements
Pennsylvania's RON requirements mandate a live audio-video session for every remote notarization. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. The state requires notaries to maintain secure electronic journals and apply tamper-evident technology to ensure document integrity after signing. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Bond amount
- $25,000
- Training hours
- 3 hrs
Interstate Recognition
Pennsylvania gives a notarial act performed in another state by that state's notary public the same effect as one performed by a Pennsylvania notary (57 Pa.C.S. § 311(a)), which covers a remote online notarization performed under the other state's law. A Pennsylvania remote notarization itself must be performed by a Pennsylvania notary located in the Commonwealth at the time of the act (§ 306.1(b)).
Online Notary Availability in Pennsylvania
Notaron is available 24/7 across Pennsylvania. See location-specific guides for major Pennsylvania cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2020 under 57 Pa.C.S. § 306.1. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Pennsylvania-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations. Notaries must complete 3 hours of approved RON training.
What technology is required for RON in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Pennsylvania accept out-of-state RON?
Pennsylvania gives a notarial act performed in another state by that state's notary public the same effect as one performed by a Pennsylvania notary (57 Pa.C.S. § 311(a)), which covers a remote online notarization performed under the other state's law. A Pennsylvania remote notarization itself must be performed by a Pennsylvania notary located in the Commonwealth at the time of the act (§ 306.1(b)).
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Pennsylvania?
A notary performing remote online notarizations in Pennsylvania must hold a surety bond of $25,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; whether it is the state's ordinary notary bond or a separate electronic-notary bond depends on the state, and the statute linked above says which.