Two words, two countries, two completely different jobs. In much of Latin America, a notario público is a senior lawyer. In Pennsylvania, a notary public is not a lawyer at all — and the gap between those facts has cost immigrant families money, immigration status, and in some cases the ability to stay in the country.
What a notario is elsewhere
Across most of Latin America and much of continental Europe, becoming a notario requires a law degree, further specialist training, and a limited public appointment. A notario drafts binding legal instruments, advises clients on their effect, and holds an office of considerable authority.
If you grew up in that system, seeing “notary public” on a storefront in Bethlehem carries an obvious meaning. It is a reasonable assumption. It is also wrong.
What a notary is in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania notary public performs a narrow administrative function: verifying who you are, confirming you are signing willingly, and witnessing the signature.
| Notario público (Latin America) | Notary public (Pennsylvania) | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal training required | Law degree and specialist qualification | None |
| May draft legal documents | Yes | No |
| May give legal advice | Yes | No |
| May advise on immigration | Yes, where qualified | No |
| May represent you before authorities | Yes | No |
| What they actually do | Draft, advise, authenticate | Verify identity, witness signatures |
| Typical fee | Substantial professional fee | $5 per act, capped by regulation |
That $5 figure is itself a clue. A capped, nominal fee is not what a legal profession charges — it is what an administrative witnessing service costs. The full schedule is in what a Pennsylvania notary is allowed to charge.
Pennsylvania bans the term outright
The Commonwealth takes this seriously enough to legislate on the words themselves. A Pennsylvania notary who is not an attorney may not use the terms “notario” or “notario público”, and may not engage in false or deceptive advertising.
More than that, a non-attorney notary who advertises must include a specific disclosure in every language used:
“I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.”
That statement is the law’s answer to the confusion — a plain declaration, required in Spanish if the advertising is in Spanish, precisely so nobody can rely on the ambiguity.
What a Pennsylvania notary may not do
Unless they are also a licensed attorney, a notary may not:
- Draft legal records — including contracts, wills, affidavits, or immigration forms
- Give legal advice of any kind
- Act as an immigration consultant
- Represent anyone in matters relating to immigration
- Charge a fee for any of the above
Immigration is where the real damage happens. A missed deadline, a wrong form, or an application filed on bad advice can cost someone their status permanently — and the person who advised them faces a penalty while the applicant lives with the consequence.
Warning signs
| Warning sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Advertises as a notario or notario público | Prohibited outright for non-attorney notaries |
| Offers to complete immigration forms for you | That is legal work, not notarial work |
| Promises a visa, green card or work permit | Nobody can promise an immigration outcome |
| Charges hundreds of dollars for notarizing | Notarial fees are capped at $5 per act |
| Says they have contacts at an agency | A claim no legitimate professional makes |
| Will not put fees in writing | Charges must be disclosed before the act |
| Tells you not to speak to a lawyer | The clearest signal of all |
What the penalties are
The Department of State may impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 for each act or omission that violates the notary law, and may deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a commission where a notary lacks the honesty, integrity, competence or reliability the role requires.
Where to actually go for immigration help
Two categories of people are qualified: licensed immigration attorneys, and representatives accredited by the Department of Justice working through a recognised organisation. Many non-profits provide accredited representation at low or no cost.
A notary can still help you — just with the notarial part. If a form you have completed needs a signature witnessed, or a supporting affidavit sworn, that is exactly what a notary is for.
Where we stand
We are a notary public and a PennDOT agent. We are not attorneys, and we do not draft legal documents, advise on legal or immigration matters, or charge for those things.
We do speak Spanish, and we will explain in plain language what a notarial act does and does not accomplish — including telling you when what you actually need is a lawyer.
Being able to say “this is outside what I am allowed to do” is not a limitation to hide. It is the whole point of the rule. Our notary services in Bethlehem cover acknowledgments, affidavits, title transfers and copy certifications — and what to bring to an appointment sets out the boundaries in more detail.
Pennsylvania’s Department of State runs a public information campaign on this exact issue at Notaries vs Notario Público.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a notary public and a notario público?
In many Latin American countries a notario público is a highly trained lawyer with authority to draft legal documents and advise clients. In Pennsylvania a notary public is not a lawyer — they verify identity and witness signatures, and nothing more.
Can a Pennsylvania notary use the term notario público?
No. Pennsylvania prohibits notaries who are not attorneys from using the terms notario or notario público. It is treated as deceptive because of exactly the confusion it creates.
Can a notary help me with immigration forms?
A notary who is not an attorney may not act as an immigration consultant, represent you in immigration matters, give advice on which forms to file, or charge a fee for those activities. They can notarize a signature on a document you have already completed.
What must a Pennsylvania notary say in their advertising?
If a non-attorney notary advertises services, they must state, in every language used: that they are not an attorney licensed to practise law in this Commonwealth, and that they are not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.
What are the penalties for a notary who breaks these rules?
The Department of State may impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 for each act or omission that violates the law, and may deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a notary commission.
Who should I go to for immigration help?
A licensed immigration attorney, or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice through a recognised organisation. Both are qualified to advise you; a notary is not, however fluent they are in your language.
Hablamos Español — and we will be straight with you
We notarize documents. We are not attorneys and we do not give legal or immigration advice. If that is what you need, we will say so. Bethlehem, since 2005.