What are the limits on who can serve as a witness to a notarization in Pennsylvania?

Serving as a witness to a notarization in Pennsylvania requires that the individual meets specific criteria to ensure the integrity and reliability of the notarization process. The correct response indicates that a witness must be of legal age and have the capacity to testify, which generally includes being mentally competent and not having any conflicts of interest in the transaction.

Additionally, the stipulation that the witness cannot be the notary themselves or a party to the document is essential for maintaining objectivity and impartiality. This ensures that the witness is not biased or influenced by their relationship with either party involved in the notarization. Having a neutral witness adds legitimacy to the notarization process and helps prevent any potential disputes regarding the authenticity of the signature or the circumstances under which the document was executed.

While the other choices may suggest various scenarios for who can serve as a witness, they either fail to recognize the importance of impartiality or do not adhere to Pennsylvania's legal requirements for notarizations.