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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    LEGAL ASSISTANCE

    Free Notarization of Military and Veterans Affairs Documents

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs frequently references affidavits, or sworn statements, as crucial secondary evidence to establish facts for benefits claims. For example, affidavits from clergy or witnesses to a marriage or birth can provide acceptable evidence when marriage and birth certificates are missing. The DMVA similarly accepts affidavits as secondary evidence to establish certain facts for state veterans' benefits claims.

    Notorary

    Free Notarization Services

    State law provides that notaries and others authorized to take such acknowledgements are to perform the service free of charge for service members and veterans, and for surviving spouses, children and parents of deceased service members and veterans, who require affidavits related to military or veterans affairs.

    Pennsylvania county courthouses generally have notaries available to the public, usually located within the Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, or Treasurer’s offices. They often charge $5 for these services and may not be aware of the state law requiring free notarizations of military and VA-related documents. This authority is provided below.

    The DMVA also offers free notarization services for military and VA-related documents at the Lickdale Veterans’ Outreach Center in Jonestown, PA. Please call 717-861-8910 first to ensure a notary is available.

    Authority:  Title 51 Pa. Consolidated Statutes Sections 9101-9102