To become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the requirements.
- Take a three-hour training course.
- Complete the application online.
- Take the exam.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Take your oath of office, file your bond and commission, and register your official signature.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
About the Pennsylvania Notary Process
The term of a Pennsylvania Notary commission is four years. Below, you’ll find more information about the PA Notary application process.
Cost to Become a Notary in PA
The cost to become a Notary in Pennsylvania ranges between $314 - $413. This factors in the education provider you choose for the required training and companies from which you purchase your Notary supplies. The fees for filing your bond, signature and commission vary across counties.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Notary training course |
$85 |
| Application fee |
$42 |
| Notary exam |
$65 |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$30 |
| Recording of bond, commission and signature and taking the oath of office |
$32 - $106 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$314 - $413 |
Commission Processing Time
The Pennsylvania Department of State recommends allowing one to three weeks for the processing of a Notary Public commission application.
It could take several additional weeks, depending on when you pass the exam and finish the rest of the application process.
Pennsylvania Notary Public Requirements
Find out who and who cannot be a Notary in Pennsylvania along with training requirements.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in Pennsylvania must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Be a resident of, or be employed at a physical address within, the Commonwealth
- Be of good character, integrity and ability
- Be able to read and write English
- Not be disqualified under 57 Pa.C.S. 323
- Not have had a Notary commission revoked in Pennsylvania or any other state in the past five years
- Must comply with other requirements the Department may establish
Who can't be a Notary?
You cannot be a Notary Public if you:
- Are a member of the U.S. Congress
- Receive money or special perks for holding a federal government office or appointment
- Are a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania
Notary Training
Applicants must complete a three-hour pre-approved Notary Public education course offered by an approved education provider within six months before submitting their application.
Application
Complete the online application form. You'll need to attach your training certificate and pay the fee.
In about one to three weeks, you'll get an email from either the Department of State or Pearson VUE with details about the exam.
Exam
Applicants must pass an exam that covers state statutes, regulations, procedures and ethics. Administered by Pearson VUE, the exam has specific testing instructions you must follow. If you pass, your score will be sent to the state.
You'll have six months from the time you're authorized to take the exam to pass it. There are no limits on the number of times you can take it. Your exam results will be sent to the Department of State by Pearson VUE.
If you don't pass within six months, you'll need to take the basic education course again and restart the commission application process.
Oath of Office
You’ll receive an email with your Notice of Appointee letter and blank bond.
Go to your county recorder of deeds and present evidence of your identity. There, you’ll take your oath of office, file your bond and commission, and register your official signature. You’ll have 45 days from your appointment to complete these steps.
The recorder of deeds will provide you with your commission certificate and a wallet card.
Notary Supplies
You'll need a Notary seal stamp, journal and certificates. An embosser is optional.
The Notary seal must be an inked rubber stamp in a rectangular design no larger than 3.5" x 1". Within a plain border, the following information must be shown:
- The words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Notary Seal"
- The words "Notary Public"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The county in which you maintain an office
- Your commission expiration date
- The seven-digit identification number assigned by the Department of State
Surety Bond
Notaries in Pennsylvania are required to have a $10,000, four-year surety bond from a company qualified to write bonds in the state.
Pennsylvania Notary Public FAQs
Wondering if you can notarize outside of the state or charge fees? Read on below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Pennsylvania Department of State, Division of Legislation and Notaries, located in Harrisburg, PA, issues Notary Public commissions.
Division of Legislation and Notaries
210 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Is E&O insurance required?
E&O insurance is not a requirement in Pennsylvania.
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.
May I become a Pennsylvania Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. In addition to U.S. citizens, Pennsylvania allows permanent legal residents of the Commonwealth to become Notaries.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A Pennsylvania Notary can perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for any member of the public who presents acceptable identification, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization.
You're prohibited from notarizing a document in which you or your spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest.
How much can Pennsylvania Notaries charge per notarial act?
Pennsylvania Notaries can charge no more than $5 for most notarizations.
If you decide to charge for your services, you must display your fees in a conspicuous location in your place of business or present your fees upon request if you're outside of your office.
The NNA offers a Notary Fee Schedule, making it convenient to display the maximum fees a PA Notary may charge.
What happens if I move or change my name?
You must report any changes to your address or name to the Department within 30 days of the change using the following forms:
- Notary Public Change of Address/Email (online): Complete this form if you change your office or home address.
You may print and mail it to the Department or fill it out online.
If you move your Notary office to a new county, you must register your official signature in the prothonotary's office of the new county within 30 days of moving.
Moving outside of the Commonwealth results in the automatic resignation of your commission.
- Notary Public Change of Name (online): Complete this form and provide evidence of the name change (i.e., marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order). You may mail the form to the Department or submit it online.
You may continue using your former name on notarial acts until your commission expires, but you may not use your new name until you've registered your new signature with the prothonotary's office of the county in which your office is located and bought a new seal.
How do I renew my Pennsylvania Notary commission?
To renew your commission, you must meet the requirements to become a Notary and complete the application process. This includes the three-hour education requirement but excludes the exam.
If your commission lapses, even for one day, you will be required to pass the exam.
How do I become an electronic Notary in Pennsylvania?
To qualify for eNotarization, you must be a commissioned Notary Public. You must submit a completed Electronic Notary Public Application to the Department.
If approved, you'll receive an email asking you to log into the Department's website where you’ll choose from a list of approved eNotary technology vendors.
The Department will forward your electronic Notary authorization to your chosen vendor(s), and you'll need to work with the vendor(s) to get set up. Your eNotary authorization lasts for as long as your four-year traditional commission is valid. You'll need to follow the same steps for reappointment.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania made the temporary allowance for remote online notarization (RON) permanent on October 29, 2020. Notaries with an active commission can register to perform RONs for signers in any location as long as the Notaries themselves are physically located within the state of Pennsylvania.
This step-by-step guide teaches you how you can register as a remote online Notary.
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Last updated: Jul 18, 2024