Key Takeaways
- Witnessing a signature is a NEW notarial act under RULONA
- The notary must actually observe the signing
- No oath is required for signature witnessing
- Different from acknowledgment - must watch the actual signing
- The fee for witnessing is $5 per signature
Last updated: January 2026
Witnessing or Attesting a Signature
Witnessing or attesting a signature is a NEW notarial act introduced by RULONA. It was not available to Pennsylvania notaries before October 26, 2017.
What Is Signature Witnessing?
Signature witnessing is when a notary observes and certifies that a person signed a document. The notary is certifying that they witnessed the actual act of signing.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal appearance | Required |
| Sign in notary's presence | REQUIRED (must watch) |
| Oath/affirmation | NOT required |
| Identity verification | Required |
| Certificate | Required |
Comparison of All Three Acts
| Feature | Acknowledgment | Verification | Witnessing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witness signing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Oath required | No | Yes | No |
| Pre-signed OK | Yes | No | No |
| Focus | Signature is genuine | Content is true | Signing occurred |
| Fee | $5 | $5 | $5 per signature |
When Witnessing Is Used
| Situation | Why Witnessing |
|---|---|
| Document requires witnessed signature | Legal requirement |
| Signer wants signature formally observed | Personal preference |
| Legal document needing witness | Court or legal requirement |
| Wills (with limitations) | Witnessing execution |
Witnessing Procedure
Step 1: Verify Personal Appearance
- Signer must be physically present
Step 2: Verify Identity
- Personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence
Step 3: OBSERVE the Signing
- You must actually watch the person sign
- Cannot attest to a signature you didn't see
Step 4: Complete Certificate
RULONA Short-Form:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________
Signed (or attested) before me on [date] by [name(s) of individual(s)].
[Signature] [SEAL]
Key Distinctions
| If Document Says | You Should |
|---|---|
| "Acknowledged before me" | Perform acknowledgment |
| "Sworn to (or affirmed) before me" | Perform verification on oath |
| "Signed before me" | Perform signature witnessing |
| "Subscribed and sworn" | Perform verification on oath |
Witnessing vs. Acknowledgment
| Witnessing | Acknowledgment |
|---|---|
| Must see signing | Don't need to see signing |
| No oath | No oath |
| Certifies signing occurred | Certifies signature is genuine |
| Cannot use for pre-signed docs | Can use for pre-signed docs |
On the Exam
- New under RULONA: Yes, new power
- Watch signing: Required
- Oath: Not required
- Different from acknowledgment: Must observe signing
- Fee: $5 per signature
Test Your Knowledge
What is unique about "witnessing or attesting a signature" compared to other notarial acts?
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B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What is the difference between witnessing a signature and taking an acknowledgment?
A
B
C
D