Chapter 4 of 813% of exam
Prohibited Acts, Misconduct & Liability
RULONA sets grounds for refusal and discipline. A Pennsylvania notary must avoid conflicts, false certificates, and the unauthorized practice of law.
Disqualifying interest
A notary may not perform a notarial act if the notary or the notary's spouse is a party to or has a direct beneficial interest in the transaction. This bright-line RULONA rule is broader than some states' and is heavily tested—a notary cannot notarize a document benefiting the notary or their spouse.
False acts and UPL
Issuing a certificate the notary knows is false, notarizing without personal appearance, or advising which document/act to use (unauthorized practice of law) are prohibited. Violations can lead to Department of State discipline, commission revocation, civil liability, and criminal charges.