I'm a commissioned Notary Public. My office of record is:

Cedar Services Consulting
2863 Beechwood Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217-3114

If you have need of my services as a Notary, feel free to send me email at Notary at CedarServices.com or call me at 1-412-421-8495 (please not before 9 AM or after 10PM).

These are some of the things that I can help you with:

I am an appointed state official who is authorized to collect fees for my services from the public, including assisting customers in completing state forms.

When you sell your vehicle, my services as a notary are required on the back of the title. Specifically, a notary must identify you, swear you to tell the truth, and complete a portion of the title. But please do not begin to fill out your title until you come to my office. I am required by law to watch you sign it and to identify you before I can affix my signature and seals! If you sign your title elsewhere, or refuse to appear before me, I cannot help you.

I can "notarize" any form that requires my services. However, the same rules apply: identification and your personal appearance are required.

I know what to do if you lost your driver's license (Form DL-80) or registration plate (Form MV-44), or let either of them expire. I can supply the form that you must send to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and help you complete it. I am required to distribute state forms for free. However, I am not an employee of the state. The state does not pay me a salary.

If you just moved here from out-of-state and want to obtain a Pennsylvania title (Form MV-1) and registration plate, I can help you obtain them. However, to obtain a driver's license you must visit the nearest Driver License Center.

When you want to correct the name on a birth certificate, I can help. However, you must first obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the local Bureau of Vital Records. See your local phone book for the office nearest you. The PA Department of Health has information on obtaining a copy of a birth certificate on their web site.

I cannot supply a certified copy of any document issued by a government agency: only the agency can do that. Once you receive the document, I can witness corrections on the back.

If you are selling your house or other deeded property, a notary's service may be required. The notarial act on a deed is called an "acknowledgement."

If someone has asked you for a "sworn statement" without providing you with a form, I can supply it. It is called an "affidavit."

Here are some things that I will not do:

I do not issue learner's permits. What I can do is to supply you with the right form (DL-180) to request one and help you complete it. This service can also be performed at your local Driver License Center.

I do not issue driver's licenses. Please go to your local Driver License Center.

I cannot give you "legal" advice. A notary public does not have the training to tell you how to sue someone or to explain how to write a will. An attorney can help you with problems like those. Or, if you like to do things yourself, check out Nolo Press.

I do not witness your will. Once you have your will written (here is a simple Pennsylvania Will you might use), find two witnesses and have them watch you sign your will, and sign it themselves. Then, if you want to make you will self-proving, the three of you must appear before me. You will sign an acknowledgement, and your witnesses sign an affidavit (these appear at the end of the example will) which I will notarize.

I cannot advise you about your taxes. Your accountant can.

I cannot take a complaint against your noisy next-door neighbor. That is the jurisdiction of the local magistrate.

I am not a collection agency for uncollected debts. Please do not ask me to put my signature and seals on a threatening letter or final notice. It would mean nothing, and I am not authorized to do it.

I cannot hand you a vehicle title over the counter. A title can come only from PennDOT. I can supply you with the required form to request one and help you complete it.

If you let your driver's license (DL-143) or registration lapse (MV-140), I cannot grant you an extension. There is no form that I can give you which will enable you to drive with an expired driver's license or registration plate! I can only provide you with the necessary forms and help you apply for renewal.

I do not issue marriage licenses or perform marriages.

If you'd like some more information about me, check here.