PA Notary Application & Appointment 2

Question 1

A Pennsylvania notary's commission expired two days ago.
To be reappointed, the individual submitted a renewal application the day after expiration.
Which of the following is now required for this individual to be reappointed?

Accepted Answer

Complete the basic education course and pass the state exam.

Answer

Pay a late fee in addition to the standard application fee.

Answer

Only complete the continuing education course as their lapse was minimal.

Answer

Submit a letter to the Department of State explaining the reason for the lapse.

Question 2

A notary public moves their primary office from Montgomery County to neighboring Delaware County. Which of the following actions is specifically required within 30 days of the move?

Accepted Answer

Register their official signature in the Recorder of Deeds office of Delaware County.

Answer

Retake the notary public exam for Delaware County.

Answer

Obtain a new notary bond for the increased risk profile.

Answer

Resign their Montgomery County commission and apply for a new one.

Question 3

An applicant for a notary commission was convicted of a misdemeanor for deceptive business practices seven years ago. How will the Department of State likely handle this application?

Accepted Answer

The conviction is irrelevant as it occurred more than five years ago.

Answer

The application will be automatically rejected due to the criminal conviction.

Answer

The conviction will be considered in determining the applicant's honesty, integrity, and reliability.

Answer

The applicant must obtain a special waiver from the county court before applying.

Question 4

A newly appointed notary receives their Notice to Appointee from the Department of State on May 1st. They successfully record their bond, oath, and commission at the Recorder of Deeds office on June 20th. What is the status of their commission?

Accepted Answer

The commission is null and void because the deadline was missed.

Answer

The commission is active and they can begin notarizing.

Answer

The commission is placed on a probationary period for 60 days.

Answer

The commission is active, but they must pay a late filing penalty.

Question 5

Which of the following individuals is explicitly INELIGIBLE to be appointed as a Pennsylvania Notary Public, regardless of meeting all other qualifications?

Accepted Answer

A current member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Answer

A practicing attorney licensed in Pennsylvania.

Answer

A retired federal judge receiving a pension.

Answer

A permanent legal resident of the United States who is not a citizen.

Question 6

A notary gets legally married and changes their last name mid-commission. Which course of action is NOT compliant with Pennsylvania notary law and regulations?

Accepted Answer

Immediately starting to use the new last name on notarizations without taking any other steps.

Answer

Notifying the Department of State of the name change within 30 days.

Answer

Continuing to notarize using the name on their commission until it expires.

Answer

Registering the new signature with the county Recorder of Deeds before using the new name for notarial acts.