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Signature Witnessing

Also called: witnessing a signature, signature witness

A notarial act in which the signer personally appears before the notary, is identified, and signs the document in the notary's presence. Distinct from acknowledgment (where the signer confirms a signature already made) and from jurat (which requires an oath).

Under the 2026 final rule, signature witnessing as a standalone act carries its own $5 fee (previously bundled under acknowledgment). Use signature witnessing when the document requires that the signer sign in your presence, but does not require any declaration of truthfulness. Most real-estate documents are acknowledgments; affidavits are jurats; occasional administrative forms call specifically for signature witnessing.

Source: 57 Pa.C.S. § 305(c) — Signature witnessing

See also: acknowledgment, jurat

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.