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E-Notarization

Also called: electronic notarization, in-person electronic notarization, IPEN

A notarial act performed on an electronic record while the signer is physically present before the notary. The signer, notary, and document are all in the same room; only the paper is replaced with an electronic file signed using tamper-evident technology.

E-notarization differs from RON: in e-notarization the signer is physically present (§ 306 personal appearance, plus an electronic record), while RON allows the signer to appear remotely over audio-video (§ 306.1). Under § 320(b), before performing the first electronic notarial act a notary must notify the Department of State and identify the tamper-evident technology they will use; the technology must conform to DOS standards. The 2026 final regulations add a $20-per-act surcharge ceiling for electronic and remote acts (4 Pa. Code § 167.3(b)) and, per new § 167.88, govern what happens when a technology provider winds down.

Source: 57 Pa.C.S. § 320 — Selection of technology for electronic records — link

See also: ron, stamp, rulona

This page is educational information, not legal advice. Pennsylvania notary law changes; always verify against the current version of RULONA (57 Pa.C.S. §§ 301–331) and 4 Pa. Code at pa.gov. Consult a PA-licensed attorney for specific situations.