How to become a notary in Pennsylvania

Get everything you need with a full Pennsylvania Notary Supply Package.

The term of a Pennsylvania Notary commission is four years. Below, you’ll find more information about the PA Notary application process.

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.

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.

Find out who and who cannot be a Notary in Pennsylvania along with training requirements.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Wondering if you can notarize outside of the state or charge fees? Read on below.

Back to Top

Last updated: Jul 18, 2024

Get everything you need with a full Pennsylvania Notary Supply Package.