What Small Business Owners in Pittsburgh Should Know About Using a Notary
By Mark Reed
Running a small business in Pittsburgh comes with plenty of moving parts—taxes, contracts, client agreements, payroll, and more. One detail that often gets overlooked is notarization. While it might feel like just another formality, using a Pennsylvania notary public correctly can protect your business, keep you compliant with state law, and help you avoid costly disputes down the road.
In this post, we’ll break down what small business owners in Pittsburgh need to know about notary services, when you need them, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Why Notarization Matters for Small Businesses
A notary public is a state-authorized official who acts as an impartial witness when important documents are signed. Their role is to confirm the identity of the signer, ensure the signer is acting willingly, and certify that the signature is genuine.
For business owners, this step isn’t just about stamps and signatures—it’s about protection. A notarized document carries more weight in court, can prevent fraud, and often speeds up business transactions like loans, leases, and vendor contracts.
Common Business Documents That Require a Notary
Not every piece of paper needs a notary seal, but many critical business documents either require or benefit from notarization. Here are some common examples for Pittsburgh small business owners:
Contracts & Agreements – Vendor contracts, client agreements, or partnership deals.
Real Estate Documents – Commercial leases, property purchases, or refinancing paperwork.
Business Loans – Bank loan applications, promissory notes, and financing documents.
Corporate Documents – Articles of incorporation, bylaws, and meeting minutes.
Employee Forms – I-9 verifications and affidavits.
Powers of Attorney – Useful if you need someone to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters.
Even when notarization isn’t legally required, it adds credibility and reduces the risk of disputes.
Notary Rules in Pennsylvania
If you’re operating in Western PA, you’ll want to know the basics of how notary services work in this state:
Maximum Fees – Pennsylvania law caps most notarial acts at $5 per signature. A notary can also charge additional administrative or travel fees for mobile services.
ID Requirement – You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID.
In-Person Signing – In most cases, documents must be signed in front of the notary. Pennsylvania also allows certain forms of remote online notarization (RON), but not all documents qualify.
Impartiality – A notary cannot notarize documents in which they have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Mobile Notary Services in Pittsburgh
One of the biggest challenges for busy business owners is finding time to get documents notarized. That’s where mobile notary services come in. Instead of visiting a bank or office, a mobile notary can meet you at your business, home, or even a coffee shop.
This is especially helpful if:
You’re finalizing a deal after business hours.
You need multiple signers in different locations.
You’re managing real estate closings or loan signings.
While there may be additional fees for travel, the convenience often outweighs the cost—especially when deadlines are tight.
Benefits of Working with a Local Notary
For small business owners in Pittsburgh, partnering with a local notary public means:
Faster Turnaround – No waiting weeks for documents to clear.
Local Knowledge – Familiarity with Pennsylvania notary laws and Allegheny County business practices.
Convenience – Mobile services available to save time.
Trust & Compliance – Assurance that your documents are legally binding and properly executed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a small business owner in Pittsburgh, don’t think of notary services as just a formality. Instead, view them as a layer of protection that keeps your business running smoothly. From contracts to real estate to corporate governance, notarization ensures your paperwork carries legal weight and reduces risk.
At Pittsburgh Logos Tax & Business Solutions, we offer both in-office and mobile Pennsylvania notary services designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you need a single document notarized or ongoing support, we make the process quick, affordable, and stress-free.
Ready to schedule your notarization? Contact us today to book your appointment.