As this question has come up before, I thought I’d forward this fyi to the list.

I was previously a notary in Pennsylvania for many years.

 

In Pennsylvania, *all* notaries are required by law to charge the same prices

for notary services. I believe that fee (for a simple affidavit) is still $5 per

signature. So whatever document you have, if *all* you need is your signature

notarized (and you have proper ID), the only fee you may legally be charged is

that five dollars – period. No exceptions.

 

There *is* a clause that does allow notaries to charge for ‘other services’ and to

set their own rates for that. For instance, a notary may charge you whatever they

wish to photocopy a document for you. However, notaries are also required by law

to display their prices for fees on a prominent sign – not just the state-mandated

costs but their costs for other services.

 

Unfortunately, in this area, their seem to be many notaries who either do not

care, or do not understand, and charge a range of prices for notarization. This is not

legal and can (if reported) result in the loss of their notary commission. The only place

I have found to recommend is AAA at Motor Square Garden (you don’t have to be a member).

I’m sure there are many others. Unfortunately, there are also many others who feel

it’s ok to charge you whatever fee they want.

 

Anyone interested in verifying this, or getting more information (including locating a

notary) may call PAN (PA Association of Notaries). Their phone number is 1-800-944-8790.

They also have a web site which I believe still has a listing of notaries in the area.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is asked to pay more than five dollars to have a signature

notarized, to refuse and to report them. PAN is more than willing to intercede for you as well

and explain the law to a notary.