Your One-Stop Shop to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

The American Association of Notaries offers a simple step-by-step guide to become a Pennsylvania notary. With our help, becoming a Pennsylvania notary is easy and hassle-free.

To become a notary in Pennsylvania, you must:

  • 1- Be 18 years of age or older.

  • 2- Be a citizen or a legal permanent 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.

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Steps to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

To become a notary public in Pennsylvania, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, then follow the steps listed below:

Step 1- Take an approved notary course

Pennsylvania requires all notaries to complete a three-hour notary course offered by an approved notary course provider.  You must complete the notary course within the six-month period before you submit the notary application. Click here to order the notary bond and to access a link to an approved notary course for savings of up to 40% compared to other notary courses.

Step 2- Complete a notary application

Apply to become a notary using the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s online notary application. You will be asked to upload proof of course completion and to pay the $42 filing fee online. Allow at least one to three weeks for processing of your notary public application.

Step 3- Take the notary exam

Upon approval of your notary application, you will receive an email from the Pennsylvania Department of State containing testing procedures and exam site locations. You have six months from the application approval date to successfully pass the exam. There is a $65 fee for each attempted test payable to the exam administrator.

Step 4- Order a $10,000 Pennsylvania notary bond

Pennsylvania law requires all notary applicants to obtain a four-year, $10,000 notary bond. The notary bond protects the public from a notary's errors and omissions. The notary bond is available for download instantly from our website upon checkout. Click here to order a notary bond.

Step 5- Receive your notary commission certificate

Upon passing the notary exam, you will receive your notary appointment notice via email along with instructions to file your notary bond, commission, a specimen of your signature, and oath of office with the recorder of deeds in the county where your business office is located. Once you complete these steps, the recorder of deeds will hand you your notary commission certificate.

Step 6- Purchase Pennsylvania notary supplies

To perform your notarial duties, you need, at a minimum, a notary stamp and notary journal. Save up to 40% on the same Pennsylvania notary supplies that you may find elsewhere. All our notary stamps are made in house, comply with Pennsylvania notary law, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Step 7- Email us a copy of your commission certificate

Fax or email a copy of your Pennsylvania notary certificate of commission so we can prepare and ship your Pennsylvania notary stamp, notary journal, and any additional notary supplies you have ordered.

Are you ready to become a notary public in Pennsylvania?

Click on the "Get started" link below to start the notary application process. We will guide you step-by-step through the Pennsylvania notary application process.

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Everything You Need to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

Only $63.95*
 Includes a One-year Membership to AAN

Limited time offer - save up to 40% on notary supplies

This Pennsylvania notary package includes:
Four-year, $10,000 Pennsylvania notary bond**
Trodat self-inking rectangular notary stamp (item # PA201)**
Pennsylvania notary journal (item # PA700)**
One-year membership to AAN (a $19.00 value included with your notary supplies order at no additional cost)
Four years of expert support (includes help with notary procedures, name/address updates, and more)
Your Cost: Only $63.95*
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* The Pennsylvania Notary Value Package I may be purchased separately at the same net savings without the state mandatory four-year, $10,000 notary bond for $33.95 plus $7.95 for shipping. Enter item # P101 on the order form. The Pennsylvania Notary Value Package II may be purchased separately at the same net savings without the state mandatory four-year, $10,000 notary bond for $40.95 plus $7.95 for shipping. Enter item # P102 on the order form. The Pennsylvania four-year, $10,000 notary bond may also be purchased separately for $30.00. Discounts and savings apply only to supplies. Prices do not include taxes.

**Required by law.

Pennsylvania notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, the American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company (established 1900). Kal Tabbara is a licensed insurance agent in Pennsylvania.