Get Your Pennsylvania Notary Commission Online
Becoming a Pennsylvania notary public is an excellent way to learn new skills, advance your career and provide a valuable civic service to your community. Notaries are state-appointed officials that serve as impartial witnesses during the signing of a wide range of legal documents. The main role of the notary is to prevent fraud.
Through Notaries.com, one of the nation's leading notary bonding agencies, you can purchase an all-in-one package with everything you need to become a licensed notary in Pennsylvania. You'll receive the state-approved online notary training course, a $10,000 notary bond, a customized self-inking notary stamp and your official notary certificate.
After you apply at Notaries.com and complete your online notary course, you can visit the state's website to fill out your online application. Once you submit your documentation and pay the state application fee, you will receive instructions on how to take the official Pennsylvania notary exam. The test is administered by Pearson VUE, a third-party vendor.
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Pennsylvania Online Notary Course Details
Satisfies Training Requirements for:
Three hours of state-approved notary education
Approved by:
Pennsylvania Department of State
Designed for:
Pennsylvanians seeking to earn or renew their notary commission
Provides:
Official notary certificate
Format:
100% online course
Support:
Email, live chat and phone support
What Are the Requirements to Become a Pennsylvania Notary?
To qualify to become a Pennsylvania notary, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a primary place of business in the state
- Be able to read and write in English
- Have no convictions for a felony or offense involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit
- Complete three hours of state-approved notary education within the six months prior to submitting your notary application to the state
- Pass a notary exam administered by Pearson VUE
The Steps to Becoming a Pennsylvania Notary
Not sure how to become a notary in Pennsylvania? Here are the steps you will need to take.
Step 1: Purchase the Pennsylvania Notary Package
The first step is to visit Notaries.com and purchase the Pennsylvania Notary Package. It includes your notary bond, a self-inking notary stamp and the state-required notary course. You'll also receive instructions on how to complete the application process as easily as possible.
Step 2: Take the Notary Public Education Course Online
You are required to take a three-hour notary public education course within the six-month period before you submit your notary application to the state. You can finish the online course at your own pace.
You'll learn about state regulations for notaries, your responsibilities as a notary, ethical guidelines, electronic notarizations and more. When you finish the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion.
Step 3: Submit Your Application to the State
Officially apply to become a Pennsylvania notary using the state's Online Notary Public Application System. You will need to provide your personal information and the certificate of completion from your notary education course. You will also need to pay the $42 state filing fee.
Step 4: Schedule Your Notary Exam
Once the state reviews and accepts your application, you will receive an approval to test notice by email. This will allow you to schedule your notary exam with Pearson VUE, a company that administers the exam on behalf of the state. Pearson VUE charges a $65 fee to take the exam.
Step 5: Get Appointed by the State
After you pass the exam and your application is approved, the state will email you a notice of appointment. You must complete the final steps of the notary application process within 45 days of your date of appointment.
Step 6: Get Your Notary Bond and Stamp
Next, you need to provide Notaries.com with your notice of appointment and a blank notary bond, which the state will provide to you. You will then receive your completed notary bond and custom notary stamp.
Step 7: Take the Oath of Office
The final step is to take your oath of office. You will need to record the oath and submit it along with your completed notary bond and notary commission to the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your business is located. Last, you must register your signature with the county's Prothonotary's office.
When you have completed all the steps above, you can officially serve as a Pennsylvania notary.
How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Notary Commission
Pennsylvania notaries are required to renew their commission every four years. To renew, you need to apply for reappointment using the state's Online Notary Public Application System. You will also need to retake the notary education course.
You do not need to retake the notary exam unless you fail to renew your commission before the expiration date. If your commission lapses, you will be required to apply as a new applicant and repeat the process of becoming a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Pennsylvania notary?
You can start your notary education course immediately after purchasing the Pennsylvania Notary Package. Once you submit your application to the Department of State, it will take four to six weeks for the state to process your request.
When the state approves your application, you will receive an email with details on how to schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE to take your notary exam. After you pass the exam, it will take approximately 30 days for the Division of Commissions, Legislation and Notaries to process your notary commission.
What is a notary bond, and why do I need one?
A notary bond is a financial security document that is underwritten by a surety company licensed in Pennsylvania. It protects the public if financial damages occur due to improper notary services. It does not provide protection or insurance to notaries.
Pennsylvania requires all notaries to purchase and maintain a $10,000 notary bond for their four-year commission. The bond is included in the Pennsylvania Notary Package, and it will last the entirety of your four-year term.
Does Pennsylvania require notaries to have errors and omissions (E&O) insurance?
Pennsylvania does not require notaries to purchase E&O insurance, but it is highly recommended. While your notary bond protects the public from notarization errors, an E&O policy will protect your finances if a client files a lawsuit alleging that you made a mistake involving notary services.
When you purchase the Pennsylvania Notary Package, you will have the option to purchase an E&O insurance policy during checkout.
How much does it cost to become a Pennsylvania notary?
Notary applicants in Pennsylvania must pay a state filing fee of $42 and a $65 fee to take the notary examination with Pearson Vue.
Applicants must also purchase a notary education course, a notary bond and a notary stamp — all of which are included in the Pennsylvania Notary Package.
What will I learn in the notary education course?
During your online notary training, you will learn about:
- Pennsylvania statutes and regulations for notaries
- Notarization procedures
- Duties and responsibilities of notaries
- Ethical guidelines for notaries
- Electronic notarizations
How long will my Pennsylvania notary commission be good for?
Your commission will remain valid for four years. Notaries are encouraged to renew their commission before it expires.
Do I need to pass an exam to become a notary?
New notaries must complete a three-hour notary course and pass the state notary examination. Renewing notaries do not need to retake the state exam unless they fail to renew before their four-year term expires.
Do I need to retake the notary course and state exam when I renew my commission?
Pennsylvania requires notaries to renew their commission every four years. You will need to retake the notary course to renew, but you do not need to retake the state exam if you complete the renewal process before your commission expires. If you allow your commission to lapse, you will be required to retake the notary exam.
