Pennsylvania Notary

Compared to other states, Pennsylvania has few eligibility requirements to become a notary. The process is simple and affordable.

To become a notary in Pennsylvania, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
3. Be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment or practice in this Commonwealth.
4. Be able to read and write English.
5. Not be disqualified from receiving a commission because of character, criminal convictions, or prior sanctions.
6. Complete at least three hours of approved notary education within the six months immediately preceding the application for appointment.
7. Pass an examination administered by the Department of State’s examination vendor Pearson VUE.

Note: The following persons are NOT eligible to hold the office of notary public:

• A member of the U.S. Congress or a person holding an office or appointment of profit or trust under the legislative, executive, or judicial departments of the government of the United States for which he or she receives a salary, fees, or perquisites.
• Any member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

Follow the steps below to become a notary in Pennsylvania:

1. Complete an approved notary public education course.

   All Pennsylvania notary public applicants are required to take a three-hour notary public education course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The course must be completed within the six months preceding submission of the notary application.

2. Complete a Pennsylvania notary application on the state’s website.

   Complete a notary application on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. You will be asked to upload proof of completion of the mandatory notary education and pay a $42 filing fee when completing the application online.

3. Take the notary exam.

   After the approval of the notary application, all first-time notary applicants must pass an examination administered by the Pennsylvania Department of State’s examination vendor. The cost of the exam is $65 per test payable to the exam administrator. Notary applicants have six months from the time their application is approved to successfully pass the exam.

4. Receive your notary appointment.

   After you successfully complete the exam, the Pennsylvania Department of State will email your notice of appointment along with instructions on how to file your notary bond, oath of office, notary commission, and a specimen of your signature with the recorder of deeds.

5. Order a four-year, $10,000 Pennsylvania notary bond. 

   Pennsylvania notary applicants are required to maintain a four-year, $10,000 notary bond. The bond is required by the Pennsylvania Department of State to protect the public from errors made by the notary. Upon checkout, the notary bond is available for download instantly from our website. Click here to order your Pennsylvania notary bond.

6. Obtain your notary commission from the recorder of deeds.

   Take your four-year, $10,000 notary bond and the oath of office to the recorder of deeds within forty-five days of your appointment. You can take the oath of office before another notary or before the recorder of deeds. Upon recording all the required documents, the recorder of deeds will issue your notary commission certificate.

7. Purchase a notary stamp and a notary journal to authenticate and record notarized documents.

   Notaries in Pennsylvania are required to use an inked notary stamp to authenticate all notarial acts they perform and to record them in a notary journal. All our Pennsylvania notary stamps and seals are made in house and come with a lifetime warranty. No questions asked! We will ship your notary supplies once we receive a copy of your Pennsylvania notary commission certificate. Click here to order a Pennsylvania notary stamp and a record book.