Key Takeaways
- An acknowledgment confirms the signer's identity and that the signature is voluntary
- The signer does NOT need to sign in the notary's presence for acknowledgments
- Personal appearance is still required - the signer must be before the notary
- The signer acknowledges the signature is theirs and was made voluntarily
- Acknowledgments are used for deeds, powers of attorney, and contracts
Acknowledgments Explained
An acknowledgment is the most common notarial act performed in Pennsylvania. Understanding when and how to perform acknowledgments is critical for the exam (80% passing score required).
What Is an Acknowledgment?
An acknowledgment is a declaration by a person that:
- The signature on the document is theirs
- They signed voluntarily
- They understand they are bound by the document
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required |
| Sign in notary's presence | NOT required |
| Oath/affirmation | NOT required |
| Identity verification | Required |
| Certificate | Required |
Critical Distinction: The signer can come to you with a document they already signed. They don't need to sign again in front of you - they just acknowledge it's their signature.
When Acknowledgments Are Used
| Document Type | Why Acknowledgment |
|---|---|
| Real estate deeds | Recording requirement |
| Powers of attorney | Legal validity |
| Mortgages | Recording requirement |
| Contracts | Party signature confirmation |
| Trust documents | Legal formality |
Acknowledgment Procedure
Step 1: Verify Personal Appearance
- Signer must be physically present
- No phone, email, or unauthorized video
Step 2: Verify Identity
- Personal knowledge, OR
- Satisfactory evidence (government ID), OR
- Credible witness
Step 3: Obtain Acknowledgment
Ask the signer:
"Do you acknowledge that this is your signature and that you signed this document voluntarily?"
Step 4: Complete Certificate
RULONA Short-Form for Individual:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
This record was acknowledged before me on [date] by [name(s)].
[Signature] [SEAL]
RULONA Short-Form for Representative:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
This record was acknowledged before me on [date] by [name] as [title/capacity] who represents that [he/she/they] [is/are] authorized to act on behalf of [entity name].
[Signature] [SEAL]
What the Notary Determines
Under RULONA, when taking an acknowledgment the notary must determine:
| Determination | How |
|---|---|
| Identity of individual | Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence |
| Signature is signer's | Signer confirms it is theirs |
| Voluntary signing | Signer declares it was voluntary |
On the Exam
- Signing in presence: NOT required for acknowledgments
- Personal appearance: Required
- Oath: NOT required
- Common documents: Deeds, powers of attorney
- Purpose: Confirm signature is genuine and voluntary
For an acknowledgment, must the signer sign the document in the notary's presence?
What must a notary determine when taking an acknowledgment?
A signer appears before you with a deed they signed at home yesterday. Can you notarize it with an acknowledgment?