How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

Looking to make a difference in your community? Let us guide you on a rewarding journey toward a unique profession.

In this comprehensive guide on becoming a notary in Pennsylvania, we lay out the roadmap to achieving this goal. With easy-to-follow, actionable steps, we’ll help you navigate this intriguing process, turning the complex into simple.

Whether you’re looking to serve your community or generate additional income, this article will offer everything you need to know to get started.

Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

In order to become a Pennsylvania notary, you will need to complete a few simple steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify in Pennsylvania, notary applicants need to satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this Commonwealth
• Be able to read and write English
• Not be disqualified by character, criminal convictions, or prior sanctions

Once confirming that you meet these requirements, you will be ready to continue on to the next step.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Education Course

You will need to take a three-hour education course that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State. A full list of these courses can be found on the Department of State’s Education Providers page.

There are two types of available courses:

• Basic education courses — For individuals applying to be a notary public for the first time or former notaries whose commissions have expired.
• Continuing education courses — For renewing notaries with an active commission.

The purpose of these courses is to help notaries public become familiar with their responsibilities, as it is anticipated that course completion will improve a notary public’s ability to serve their customers as a public official in Pennsylvania.

Make sure to hold onto the training certificate you’ll receive when you complete your education course, as you will need it later on in the application.

Note: You must complete your chosen course within the six months immediately preceding your application.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

In Pennsylvania, applicants can fill out their application form online using the Online Notary Public Application System.

Since you need to complete your application in one session, you will need to have the following documents on hand before starting:

• Proof of completion of an approved education course
• Criminal history documentation

Additionally, where necessary, you will need documentation if you have been involved in:

• A notary public disciplinary action
• Any other professional license disciplinary action
• Civil liability in legal proceedings for actions as a notary public

After completing the application form and attaching the relevant documentation, you will need to pay a $42 fee to submit your application to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Step 4: Register and Take the Notary Public Exam

After your notary application has been reviewed and approved by the Department of State, you should be contacted by Pearson VUE within one to three weeks with information regarding your exam.

You can take this computer-based exam at almost any Pearson VUE test center in Pennsylvania and will have six months to pass from the date you are authorized to take it.

The exam can be taken as many times as necessary during this time, though each attempt will cost $65. If you are unable to pass within six months, you’ll have to reapply at a later date after you’ve studied the mandatory education course again.

If you successfully pass the exam, the Department of State will send you an email continuing your Notice of Appointment letter, a blank notary bond, an oath form, and instructions on how to continue.

Step 5: Purchase a $10,000 Surety Bond

Each Pennsylvania notary public must execute a $10,000 bond within 45 days of being appointed before they can begin to offer notary services.

The purpose of this notary bond is to protect the public from any financial losses (up to $10,000) caused by the negligent performance of a notary public’s duties.

For the Secretary of the Commonwealth to approve a bond, it must have EITHER a duly authorized surety company OR two sufficient individual sureties.

Note: You can read more about the bonding requirements in Pennsylvania here.

Step 6: Go to Your County Recorder of Deeds

Once this notary bond has been obtained, the next step is to take the oath of office and record this oath, completed bond, and commission in the Recorder of Deeds in the county of the notary’s business office.

Applicants must also register their signature, which can be done at EITHER the office of Recorder of Deeds OR the Prothonotary’s office in the same county.

Once all this has been done, you may officially begin to notarize documents as a notary public. Under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), your commission will expire four years following the date you were appointed.

If you fail to complete all of these steps within 45 days, your commission will become null and void and you will need to re-submit a new application.

Note: There is a non-refundable application fee of $42.

Step 7: Protect Yourself With Errors and Omissions Insurance

While not required by law, it’s a good idea to consider protecting yourself with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

This type of insurance provides coverage for any potential mistakes or omissions that you might make as you perform notarial acts. It’s an extra layer of protection that can give you peace of mind while operating for a relatively low opportunity cost.

Step 8: Obtain Notary Supplies

Finally, you’ll need to acquire your notary public supplies.

These include your custom notary stamp or seal (used to affix to documents), as well as your public journal.

Remember that, as a notary, you will serve a vital role in your community. This responsibility requires diligence, precision, and a high ethical standard.

Take your time, follow the steps, and prepare to provide a valuable service.