In November 2022, Act 154, an amendment to Title 57, a Notary Public statute, was approved by the Pennsylvania State Legislature, making it possible for Bucks County elected officials, Dan McPhillips and Coleen Christian, to come together regarding the notary process.
For years new and renewing notaries public first had to go to the Recorder of Deeds office to record their bond and oath, proceeded by going to the Prothonotary’s office to sign their signature card.
Prior to the Bucks County Justice Center opening, both offices were in the same building, making this process relatively painless.
Starting February 21st, 2023, notaries public will no longer be required to sign their signature card at the Prothonotary’s office. The signature card will now be signed at the Recorder of Deeds office, while their bond and oath are being recorded.
The Recorder of Deeds office will then make sure the signature cards are presented to the Prothonotary’s office, since they are legally required to hold them.
Implementing a new procedure to a long-standing process always takes time, but Recorder of Deeds, Dan McPhillips, thinks this was well worth his time. “Making any process more convenient for our constituents is good government. Having new and renewing notaries public bounce between two buildings, two security systems, and managing the parking in Doylestown, it just made sense to work with Coleen Christian, Bucks County Prothonotary, to modernize this process. I am glad we were able to make this work for both of our offices.”
For her part, Prothonotary, Coleen Christian says, “We are beyond happy to streamline the notary process. Efficient, one stop government service should always be implemented when possible.”
To contact the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office, please call 215-348-6209 or the Bucks County Prothonotary’s office, please call 215-348-6191.
You can also visit the Bucks County website at www.buckscounty.gov.