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Key Takeaways

  • The Department of State may deny, revoke, suspend, or reprimand notaries
  • Administrative penalties up to $1,000 per violation may be imposed
  • Criminal penalties include fines up to $1,000 per violation
  • Impersonating a notary is a crime under Pennsylvania law
  • Acts showing lack of honesty, integrity, or competence trigger discipline
Last updated: January 2026

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

RULONA Section 323 establishes the framework for disciplinary actions against notaries who violate the law. Understanding these consequences is essential for exam success.

Grounds for Discipline

The Department may take action if a notary:

GroundExamples
Lacks honestyFraudulent notarizations
Lacks integrityDeceptive practices
Lacks competenceRepeated errors
Lacks reliabilityFailure to maintain records
Violates RULONAAny statutory violation
Violates regulationsRegulatory non-compliance

Acts That Trigger Discipline

Prohibited ActConsequence
Performing act in another state under PA commissionDiscipline
False representations about powersDiscipline
Using "notario" or "notario publico"Discipline
Unauthorized practice of any professionDiscipline
Using title to endorse productsDiscipline
False statements in certificateDiscipline
Improper use of official stampDiscipline
False advertisingDiscipline

Administrative Sanctions

The Department of State may impose:

SanctionDescription
DenialRefuse to issue commission
Refusal to renewDeny reappointment
RevocationRemove from office
SuspensionTemporary removal
ReprimandOfficial censure
ConditionsRequirements on commission

Administrative Penalties

PenaltyAmount
Per violationUp to $1,000
Each separate actSeparate penalty
Performing notarial act without commissionUp to $1,000

Criminal Penalties

ViolationPenalty
Criminal violation of RULONAFine up to $1,000
Criminal violation of regulationsFine up to $1,000
Impersonating a notaryCriminal charges under Crimes Code
Using notary's stamp without authorityCriminal charges

Civil Liability

Notaries may face civil lawsuits for:

LiabilityRecovery
Negligent notarizationActual damages
Fraudulent actsDamages + punitive
Bond claimsUp to $10,000
Professional malpracticeVaries

Impersonating a Notary

Crime: Pretending to be a notary or using a notary's stamp without authorization is a criminal offense.

ElementDescription
Acting as notaryWithout valid commission
Using stampWithout authorization
Holding outClaiming to be notary
ConsequenceCriminal prosecution

Disciplinary Process

StepDescription
1. ComplaintFiled with Department
2. InvestigationDepartment reviews
3. HearingIf warranted
4. DecisionSanction determined
5. AppealAvailable if contested

Possible Outcomes

OutcomeSeverity
Warning letterMinor
Required educationModerate
ProbationModerate
SuspensionSerious
RevocationSevere
Criminal referralMost severe

New Regulations (Effective March 2026)

The comprehensive RULONA regulations include:

  • Specific conflict of interest provisions
  • Advertising restrictions
  • Enhanced UPL guidance
  • Notario prohibitions
  • Detailed disciplinary procedures

On the Exam

  • Administrative penalty: Up to $1,000 per violation
  • Criminal fine: Up to $1,000
  • Bond claim: Up to $10,000
  • Impersonation: Criminal offense
  • Actions: Denial, revocation, suspension, reprimand
Test Your Knowledge

What is the maximum administrative penalty per violation that the Department of State can impose on a notary?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Which of the following is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

What types of sanctions can the Department of State impose on a notary?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

7.1 Remote Online Notarization Overview

Chapter 7: Remote Online Notarization in PA