USA MADE IN THE USA

ALL ORDERS SHIP NEXT BUSINESS DAY

CONTACT US

Notary Requirements for Pennsylvania: 2026 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Kinzua Bridge in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania notaries public, commissioned by the Department of State, serve as impartial witnesses to deter fraud. This guide outlines requirements to become and remain a notary in Pennsylvania as of July 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Age and Residency: At least 18 years old; U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who resides or has a place of employment/practice in Pennsylvania.

  • Language: Able to read and write English.

  • Integrity: Possess honesty, integrity, competence, and reliability. No disqualifying criminal convictions (especially fraud/dishonesty) or prior notary disciplinary sanctions.

  • Education: Complete a mandatory 3-hour notary education course from a state-approved provider within six months before applying.

  • Examination: Pass the official notary exam (administered by Pearson VUE) if a first-time applicant or if commission has lapsed. Renewing notaries with no lapse are exempt.

  • Ineligibility: Members of U.S. Congress, PA legislature, or holders of federal/state offices of profit/trust cannot be commissioned.

Get a notary stamp that meets Pennsylvania’s official requirements, available in multiple formats and shipped within one business day.

Order Pennsylvania Notary Stamp

Application Process for a New Notary Commission

  1. Complete Education: Take the required 3-hour notary course from a state-approved provider within six months prior to application. Obtain a course completion certificate.

  2. Prepare for Examination (if applicable): First-time applicants must pass the state notary exam after application submission. The Department of State will provide scheduling information via Pearson VUE.

  3. Submit Application Online: Via the Department’s Notaries portal (notaries.pa.gov). Complete the form, upload proof of education, answer background questions, and pay the $42 non-refundable fee.

  4. Await Approval and Exam (if applicable): Processing is typically 2-4 weeks. If an exam is required, you'll receive scheduling instructions. Pearson VUE reports results to the Department.

  5. Appointment by the State: After all requirements are met (education, exam if needed, background review), the Department of State appoints you. Notification is by email. Your commission certificate is sent to the Recorder of Deeds in your designated county. Further steps (oath, bond, recording) are needed before notarizing.

Surety Bond Requirements

A $25,000 surety bond is required for notaries newly appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026. Notaries holding a current commission on March 28, 2026 may continue using the existing $10,000 bond until that commission expires.

  • Provider: From a surety/insurance company authorized in Pennsylvania.

  • Coverage: Full 4-year commission term. Protects the public from notary misconduct.

  • Liability: The notary must reimburse the surety if a claim is paid.

  • Recording: The bond, commission, and oath must be recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds within 45 days. County recording fees may apply.

Notary Seal

Mandatory ink stamp for all paper notarial acts.

  • Content: Effective March 28, 2026, the official stamp must include the notary's seven-digit commission identification number and display, in order: "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" and "Notary Seal," the notary's name and "Notary Public," the county, the commission expiration date, and the commission number.
  • Size: Maximum 1 inch by 3.5 inches with a plain border.
  • Type: An ink stamp is required for paper acts and must be photographically reproducible. An embosser may be used only in conjunction with the ink stamp.
  • Transition: A notary holding a current commission on March 28, 2026 may keep the prior seal until that commission expires.

Notary Journal

Pennsylvania notaries must keep a journal of all notarial acts, paper and electronic (RULONA). The journal may be tangible (bound, consecutively numbered pages) or electronic (tamper-evident); a single combined journal or separate journals are allowed. Entries record the date and time, type of act and document description, signatory name and address, identification method, and fee charged. Effective March 28, 2026, the journal may not contain personal identifiers (no Social Security number, full driver's license or ID number, date/place of birth, mother's maiden name, or biometrics); only the last four digits of an ID may be recorded. On ceasing to hold office, the notary delivers the journal to the county Recorder of Deeds within 30 days; certified copies must be provided within 15 days of a request.

Oath of Office and Commission Recording

Within 45 days of appointment, complete these steps:

  1. Obtain Your Bond: Secure the required surety bond. Notaries newly appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026 must obtain a $25,000 surety bond. Notaries holding a current commission on March 28, 2026 may continue using the existing $10,000 bond until that commission expires.

  2. Take the Oath: Take and sign the constitutional oath of office, typically at the Recorder of Deeds office or before an authorized official.

  3. Register Official Signature: Register your signature in the county prothonotary’s office or Recorder of Deeds (county of office). Required within 45 days of appointment and within 30 days if moving office to a new county.

  4. Record Commission, Oath, and Bond: File commission certificate, executed bond, and oath with the Recorder of Deeds in your county. County recording fees apply. A copy of bond/oath is forwarded to the Department of State by Recorder.

    • Crucial Deadline: Failure to complete these steps within 45 days voids the commission.

Commission Term and Expiration

Valid for four years from appointment date. Expiration date on certificate and seal. No grace period for notarizing past expiration. No limit on renewal terms.

Commission Renewal Process

Similar to initial application; renewal avoids re-examination if timely.

  • Timing: Start a few months before expiration. Apply before commission expires to avoid re-testing.
  • Education Requirement: Complete a 3-hour continuing notary education course from a state-approved provider within six months before reapplication.
  • Application: File online via notaries.pa.gov. Indicate reappointment. $42 fee.
  • No Exam if Timely: If application submitted before expiration, no exam needed. If lapsed, treated as new applicant (exam required).
  • Processing and Oath/Bond: Upon reappointment, a new commission is sent to the Recorder of Deeds. Notaries reappointed on or after March 28, 2026 must obtain the required $25,000 surety bond, while notaries holding a current commission on March 28, 2026 may continue using the existing $10,000 bond until that commission expires. The bond, oath, and commission must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds within 45 days.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Pennsylvania has permitted remote online notarization since Oct. 29, 2020 (Act 97 of 2020). A commissioned notary must apply to the Department of State for electronic/remote authorization, select a Department-approved technology provider, remain physically in Pennsylvania during the act, and use two-way audio-video with the required identity verification and recording. No additional bond is required beyond the notary bond. Effective March 28, 2026, notaries may charge up to $20 per electronic or remote notarial act.

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does a notary commission last in Pennsylvania?

A: Four years from the date of issuance.

Q: What happens if I do not complete the oath, bond, and recording within 45 days of appointment?

A: Your commission becomes null and void. You must reapply from scratch.

Q: Can I renew my notary commission when it expires?

A: Yes. Apply before expiration to avoid re-examination. Requires 3-hour continuing education, $42 fee, new bond, and re-qualifying (oath/recording) with the county.

Q: Do I have to take the notary exam every time I renew?

A: No, if you reapply before your current commission expires. If it lapses, the exam is required.

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal?

A: Yes. Pennsylvania requires a journal for all notarial acts, paper and electronic. It may be tangible or electronic. As of March 28, 2026 the journal may not contain personal identifiers (only the last four digits of an ID). When you stop serving as a notary, the journal is delivered to the county Recorder of Deeds.

Q: Can I use an embosser instead of an ink stamp in Pennsylvania?

A: Pennsylvania requires a sharp, legible, photographically reproducible seal. An inking notary seal should be the primary seal. An embosser may be used only if the required seal information remains reproducible.

Q: What fees can Pennsylvania notaries charge for their services?

A: Max $5.00 for most acts (acknowledgments, oaths, verifications, witnessing signatures, certifying copies). Protests $3.00/page. Travel/incidental fees separate, by prior agreement.

Q: Does Pennsylvania allow remote online notarization (RON)?

A: Yes. A commissioned notary must apply for electronic/remote authorization through the Department of State, use a Department-approved RON platform, and follow the required identity verification and recording procedures. No additional bond is required beyond the notary bond. Effective March 28, 2026, notaries may charge up to $20 per electronic or remote notarial act.

Q: What should I do if I change my name or address as a notary?

A: Notify Department of State within 30 days using official forms. For name change, provide proof, register new signature with county, get new seal if using new name. For address change to new county, register signature in new county and update seal if county name changes.

Q: Where is my notary commission valid – can I notarize outside of Pennsylvania?

A: Valid throughout Pennsylvania. Cannot notarize if physically outside PA (unless performing RON, where notary must be in PA but signer can be elsewhere).

Always refer to official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources for the most current notary information.

Back to News