PA Notary Resignation & Revocation

Question 1

A Pennsylvania notary decides to resign their commission before it expires. What must they do with their journal and stamping device?

Accepted Answer

Deliver them to the recorder of deeds office within 30 days.

Answer

Mail them to the Department of State in Harrisburg.

Answer

Destroy the stamp and keep the journal for seven years.

Answer

Transfer them to their employer for safekeeping.

Question 2

Which of the following actions is a mandatory ground for the Department of State to revoke a notary's commission?

Accepted Answer

Failing to maintain the required surety bond.

Answer

Unintentionally charging $1 over the maximum fee for an acknowledgment.

Answer

Moving to a new home address and forgetting to notify the Department.

Answer

Refusing to notarize a document for a non-English speaking individual.

Question 3

To be reappointed, a current notary public must complete a 3-hour notary education course within what timeframe?

Accepted Answer

Within the 6 months prior to submitting their application.

Answer

Anytime during their four-year commission.

Answer

Within 90 days after their commission expires.

Answer

Within the final year of their commission.

Question 4

If a notary's commission expires and they wish to be commissioned again, what is the required process?

Accepted Answer

Apply as a new notary and pass the required examination.

Answer

Pay a late fee and complete the reappointment paperwork.

Answer

Petition the Department of State for a 60-day extension.

Answer

Take a 6-hour education course instead of the usual 3 hours.

Question 5

A notary receives a notice that their surety has cancelled their bond. What is the immediate effect on their notary commission?

Accepted Answer

The commission is automatically suspended.

Answer

The commission is placed on probation for 30 days.

Answer

The notary must pay a fine within 10 business days.

Answer

There is no effect until the Department sends a formal revocation letter.

Question 6

What is the first official step a notary must take to resign their commission?

Accepted Answer

Send a signed, dated letter of resignation to the Department of State.

Answer

Inform the recorder of deeds in their county.

Answer

Publish a notice of resignation in a local newspaper.

Answer

Surrender their notary stamp to their surety company.

Question 7

Upon receiving a notice of commission revocation from the Department of State, the individual must immediately:

Accepted Answer

Cease performing all notarial acts.

Answer

Appeal the decision to the recorder of deeds.

Answer

Complete a remedial education course within 30 days.

Answer

Notify their bond company to cancel their policy.