How To become Notary Public in Pennsylvania

The following steps are required to become a Pennsylvania Notary Public:

Check that you have met the requirements for becoming a Notary Public (see below).
Take a three-hour approved education course.
Complete the online application form. Attach your training certificate, and pay $42 fees.
Within one to three weeks you will receive an email from Pearson VUE or the Department of State with information about the $65 exam.
Follow the testing instructions carefully. Your score will be sent to you if you pass.
Get an email with your Notice to Appointee and blank bond.
A $10,000 surety bond is available. Select a Pennsylvania-licensed bonding company.
Within 45 days of your appointment, you must go to the county recorder of records and show proof of your identity. Your bond will be filed after you take the oath.
Register your signature with your county’s prothonotary.
The recorder of deeds will send you your commission certificate and a wallet-card.
Purchase your Notary seal & journal.
E&O insurance is strongly recommended to reduce your financial exposure.

Get started now with your notary career.

A complete Pennsylvania Notary Supply Package will provide everything you need.

Additional Information About the Pennsylvania Notary Process

Do you have questions about the PA Notary Application Process? We’ve got you covered.

What does it cost to become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?

There is a $42 application and $65 exam fee. For filing your signature, bond, or commission, there are fees from the county.

There may be additional charges for Notary supplies, bonds and education courses depending on which vendor you choose. Before you buy your supplies, make sure to read the fine print and verify the product quality. You may find that some vendors will package your items with hidden or additional fees, such as processing fees.

What is the time it takes to get my Notary Commission?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, it takes one to three weeks for a Notary Public Commission application to be processed. It may take longer depending on the time you pass the exam, and the completion of the application process.

What is the average length of a Pennsylvania Notary Commission?

A Pennsylvania Notary Commission is for four years.

Pennsylvania Notary Public Requirements

Learn more about the training requirements and who can be a Pennsylvania Notary.

Who can become Notary Public?

The following requirements must be met by a Pennsylvania Notary Public applicant:

At least 18 years of age
You can be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or a U.S. citizen
You must be a resident or employed at a physical location within the Commonwealth.
Have integrity, character, and the ability to be a good person
Learn English language skills
Not to be disqualified under the 57 Pa.C.S. 323
In Pennsylvania and any other state, not have you had your Notary commission suspended in the last five years
You must comply with any other requirements that the Department may impose

Who is a Notary Public?

If you are:

You are a member the U.S. Congress
You can receive money or special perks if you hold a federal appointment or office.
You are a member of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly

What type of training do I need?

You have to complete a three-hour pre-approved Notary Public education course within the six months prior to submitting your application. The NNA offers a state-approved online training course that makes it easy for new and renewing Notaries to fulfill Pennsylvania’s education requirement.

It is possible to pursue additional education for guidance and training beyond what the state requires. However, this training is not mandatory.

What is the Notary exam?

New Notaries must pass an exam covering state laws, regulations, and ethics. It is administered by Pearson VUE and you’ll need to carefully follow all of their testing instructions. To pass the exam, you will have six months to prepare. You can take the exam as many times as you wish. Pearson VUE will send your exam results to the Department of State.

If you fail to pass within six months, then you will need to complete the basic education course again and start the application process for commission.

What supplies do I need?

You’ll need a Notary seal stamp, journal and certificates. Optional: An embosser.

The notary seal must consist of an inked rubber stamp with a rectangular design that is no more than 3.5″ by 1″. The following information must be included within a plain border:

The words “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” – Notary Seal
The words “Notary Public”
Your name as it appears in your commission
The county where you have an office
Your commission expiration date
The Department of State assigns a seven-digit identification number

Stamps shouldn’t bleed after or during use. Because quality and durability can vary, it is important to ask the vendor about their product guarantees.

Look out for security features such as tamperproof sewn binding when you are deciding on which journal to purchase. Your journal must be kept safe and secure.

Do I require insurance or a surety bond?

Yes. Notaries in Pennsylvania are required to have a $10,000, four-year surety bond from a company qualified to write bonds in the state.

A bond is not insurance. A bond is a financial guarantee provided by a bonding company to individuals who rely upon a Notary. You will have to repay your surety company if damages are received from the bond.

Since a surety bond does not protect the Notary, many Notaries choose to purchase optional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance in Pennsylvania is not required.

General Notary Public Information

Are you wondering if it is possible to notarize outside the United States? Continue reading.

What state government office is responsible for Notaries?

The Pennsylvania Department of State, Division of Legislation and Notaries, located in Harrisburg, PA, issues Notary Public commissions.

Is there anyone who can help me to become a Notary Public?

Yes. Yes. Many companies, including NNA, offer assistance in the application process, including supplies, bonds, insurance, and training. If you are looking to start the process yourself, the Secretary of States website contains the application, submission details, educational material, and a training video.

Can I become a Pennsylvania Notary even if I’m not a U.S citizen?

Yes. Yes. Notaries can also be made in Pennsylvania for legal permanent residents who are not U.S citizens.

Where can I notarize?

Pennsylvania’s Notary Public can perform notarial acts wherever the state borders allow.

Whom can I notarize?

You can notarize any member of the public who presents acceptable identification, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. It is prohibited to notarize documents in which your spouse or you have a pecuniary or direct interest.

What is the maximum amount that Pennsylvania Notaries can charge for a notarial act?

Pennsylvania Notaries cannot charge more than $5 for most notarizations. If you decide that you will charge for your services you must either display them in conspicuous locations in your business, or provide your fees on request if you are outside your office.

What happens if my name is changed or moved?

Within 30 days, you must notify the Department of any changes in your name or address. If you change your office or home address, complete the Notary Public Change of Address/Email form. You may print and mail it to the Department or fill it out online.

You must register your official signature within 30 days after you move your Notary’s office to another county. Your commission will automatically resign if you move outside the Commonwealth.

For name changes, you must complete the Notary Public Change of Name form and provide evidence of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order). You may mail the form to the Department or submit it online. While you can continue to use your old name for notarial acts up until your commission expires you cannot use it until you have registered your new signature with your county’s prothonotary and purchased a new seal.

How can I renew my Pennsylvania Notary Commission?

To renew your commission, you must meet the requirements to become a Notary and complete the application process. The three-hour education requirement is included, but not the exam. You will need to pass the exam if your commission expires even if it is for only one day.

How can I become an electronic notary in Pennsylvania?

Although Pennsylvania doesn’t have any permanent remote online notarization laws the state allows Notaries who are members of an active traditional commission to electronically notarize. An electronic notarization is when the signer and the Notary meet in person, but they sign digital documents with electronic signatures.

You must be a commissioned NotaryPublic to qualify for eNotarization. You must submit a completed Electronic Notary Public Application to the Department. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email inviting you to log in to the Department’s website. There you can choose from a list of approved eNotary technology vendors.

Your electronic Notary authorization will be sent to the chosen vendor by the Department. You’ll need to coordinate with the vendor to set it up. Your eNotary authorization will be valid for the same period as your traditional four-year commission. Reappointment will require you to follow the exact same steps.

What are the basics of remote notarization in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania made the temporary allowance for remote online notarization (RON) permanent on October 29, 2020. A notary with an active commission is eligible to register to perform RONs in any location for signers as long as they are located in Pennsylvania. This step-by-step guide teaches you how you can register as a remote online Notary.

Where To Work As a Notary in Pennsylvania

You can work in many settings as a public notary in Pennsylvania. Whether you decide to work for a law firm, real estate agency or a government job, there are many options available. You can also work for yourself as a mobile notary.

Where To Find Clients in Pennsylvania

We work with notaries all over Pennsylvania to help them find more business and make more money. If you would like to join our notary network, contact us today for more information. We work with notaries in all cities including: