Pennsylvania is changing how estate documents get processed. In fact, the state’s recent moves mean that Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarized probate filings in ways that were simply not possible a few years ago. From expanded electronic notarization rules to county-level e-filing systems, residents can now handle many probate documents without leaving home. So, if you are managing an estate in Pennsylvania, this update matters directly to you.
Pennsylvania Opens Doors to E-Notarized Probate Filings: The Background
Pennsylvania has been building its electronic notarization framework for years. In fact, the state authorized electronic notarization as early as 2017. Then, Act 97 of 2020 made Remote Online Notarization (RON) a permanent part of Pennsylvania law. As a result, notaries can now witness and notarize documents through live audio-video calls.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, both electronic and remote notarization are fully permitted across the state. Also, new RULONA regulations take effect on March 28, 2026, strengthening the state’s e-notarization framework even further.
What the New Pennsylvania Notary Regulations Mean for Probate
The 2026 RULONA regulations bring key changes for anyone using e-notarization in estate and probate matters. Knowing these updates helps you prepare before using an online notary for estate-related filings.
Key changes under the new regulations include:
- Notary bond increase: All notaries appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026 must obtain a $25,000 bond, up from $10,000.
- New e-notarization fee: Pennsylvania notaries may charge an additional $20 fee for notarial acts completed using electronic or remote technology.
- Stricter technology standards: The regulations set more specific rules for approving electronic and remote notarization platforms.
- Personal appearance requirement: A notary must verify your identity in real time, either in person or through approved audio-video technology.
According to PA Notary Regulations Changes, these updates bring Pennsylvania closer to national standards for digital legal processes.
Which Pennsylvania Counties Now Accept E-Notarized Probate Filings?
The movement toward Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarized probate filings is especially visible at the county level. Also, several counties have launched electronic filing systems specifically for probate and Orphans’ Court documents.
Notable county updates include:
- Washington County: E-filing in the Orphans’ Court became available on March 1, 2025.
- Montgomery County: The county actively encourages all filers to use its online e-filing portal for most probate documents.
- Multiple counties: Several counties accepted guardianship forms for electronic filing starting June 11, 2024.
However, requirements vary by county. So, always check with your local Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court before submitting any electronic probate filings.
What Documents Can Be E-Notarized for Probate in Pennsylvania?
Not every probate document qualifies for electronic notarization. However, several key documents do. Understanding which ones are eligible helps you plan the process efficiently.
Documents that can typically be e-notarized in Pennsylvania probate matters include:
- Acknowledgments: These confirm a signer’s voluntary signature on a probate-related document.
- Jurats: These certify that a person swore or affirmed the truthfulness of a document’s contents under oath.
- Self-proving will affidavits: A will becomes “self-proving” when notarized affidavits from two witnesses are attached. According to Nolo, a self-proving will can move through probate without additional proof of authenticity.
- Powers of attorney: These commonly require notarization for estate planning purposes. Our guide on what a power of attorney document is explains its full role in estate planning.
Additionally, our guide on what documents require notarization breaks down all document types in detail.
What Pennsylvania Probate Documents Still Require In-Person Notarization?
Even as Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarized probate filings, some documents still carry specific restrictions. Knowing these limits avoids costly delays in the probate process.
Documents with important current limitations include:
- Wills themselves: Pennsylvania still requires wills to be signed on physical paper. Electronic wills are not recognized under current Pennsylvania law.
- Certain real estate deeds: Some property transfer documents may require additional steps beyond standard e-notarization.
- County-specific documents: Some Orphans’ Court filings still require in-person submission depending on the county and document type.
Also, witness requirements add complexity to some online notarization sessions. Our guide on witness requirements for online notarization by state covers Pennsylvania’s specific rules in detail.
How to Use Remote Online Notarization for Pennsylvania Probate Documents
Getting your estate documents e-notarized in Pennsylvania is now a straightforward process. For example, you can complete most notarized estate documents through a secure video call without any in-person appointments.
Here is how the process works:
- Prepare your document and confirm it qualifies for RON under Pennsylvania law.
- Choose a Pennsylvania Department of State-approved RON platform.
- Verify your identity through the platform’s secure ID verification process.
- Join a live video session with a commissioned Pennsylvania notary.
- Sign the document electronically in the notary’s direct presence.
- Receive your e-notarized document, ready for filing.
Our guide on how to become an online notary in Pennsylvania explains the state’s full RON framework. Also, our guide on how to notarize a document covers every step of the notarization process clearly.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarized probate filings through updated state law and expanded county e-filing systems. New RULONA regulations also strengthen this framework starting March 2026. As a result, residents can now handle many estate and probate documents from home. However, physical wills and some county-specific filings still require in-person processes. So, always verify your specific document’s requirements before you proceed.
At BlueNotary, we make remote online notarization for Pennsylvania estate documents fast, secure, and legally valid. Our commissioned notaries connect with you by live video call, any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarized probate filings?
Pennsylvania has expanded electronic notarization rules, allowing residents to get many estate and probate documents notarized through secure video calls. Also, several counties now accept electronic filings for Orphans’ Court and probate matters. Together, these changes reduce the need for in-person notary appointments during the probate process.
When did Pennsylvania allow remote online notarization?
Pennsylvania authorized electronic notarization in 2017. Then, Act 97 of 2020 made Remote Online Notarization a permanent part of state law. New RULONA regulations take effect on March 28, 2026, bringing Pennsylvania further in line with national standards for digital legal processes.
Which Pennsylvania counties accept e-notarized probate filings?
Washington County launched Orphans’ Court e-filing on March 1, 2025. Montgomery County also encourages electronic filing for most probate documents. Several counties additionally accepted guardianship forms electronically starting June 2024. However, requirements vary by county, so always confirm with your local Register of Wills before filing.
Can a will be e-notarized for probate in Pennsylvania?
The will itself must still be signed on physical paper. Pennsylvania does not currently recognize electronic wills. However, the notarized affidavits that make a will self-proving can be e-notarized. This simplifies the probate process and allows the will to move forward without additional witness testimony in court.
What is a self-proving will in Pennsylvania probate?
A self-proving will includes notarized affidavits from two witnesses who watched the will get signed. Because these affidavits are notarized, the will moves through probate without additional witness testimony. As a result, the process moves faster and requires fewer court appearances from family members and estate administrators.
How much does e-notarization cost for probate documents in Pennsylvania?
Under the 2026 RULONA regulations, Pennsylvania notaries may charge an extra $20 fee for electronic or remote notarization. Platform fees also vary by provider. So, the total cost depends on which platform you choose and how many documents require notarization during the probate process.
Do I need a licensed attorney to e-notarize Pennsylvania probate documents?
No. You do not need an attorney to notarize a document. A commissioned Pennsylvania notary public handles the notarization. However, for complex probate matters, working with an attorney to prepare your documents first is often the wiser approach before moving to the notarization step.
Can I use BlueNotary for Pennsylvania e-notarized probate filings?
Yes. We offer Remote Online Notarization services with commissioned notaries available 24/7. Our platform meets Pennsylvania’s standards for approved RON technology. For estate documents like powers of attorney, our how to notarize a power of attorney guide explains each step of the process clearly.
