PA Notary Commission Maintenance 2

Question 1

A Pennsylvania notary, who was commissioned while residing in Lycoming County, moves their residence to a new home in Allegheny County but continues to work at their established office in Lycoming County. Which of the following actions is the notary required to take?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Department of State of the new home address within 30 days.

Answer

A notary public must notify the Department of State within 30 days of any change to their home or office address. Since the office of record remains in Lycoming County, re-registering the signature in the new county of residence is not required. The commission is valid as long as the notary lives or works in Pennsylvania.

Question 2

A notary legally changes their name mid-commission due to marriage. They decide to begin using their new name for notarizations immediately. Which of the following is a complete list of required actions BEFORE they can use the new name?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Department of State, purchase a new stamping device, and re-register their new signature with the prothonotary.

Answer

To use a new legal name for notarizations immediately, the notary must first notify the Department of State within 30 days of the change, purchase a new stamping device reflecting the new name, and register the new signature with the prothonotary's office in the county where their office is located.

Question 3

A notary's employer terminates their employment. The employer, who paid for the notary's commission and supplies, demands the notary surrender their journal and stamping device. What is the notary's legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to surrender the equipment, as it is the exclusive property of the notary, but may provide a photocopy of the journal.

Answer

A notary's equipment, including the journal and stamping device, is the exclusive property of the notary, regardless of who paid for it. The notary must not surrender it to an employer. They may, however, provide the employer with a photocopy of the journal if requested.

Question 4

A notary based in Pennsylvania accepts a new job and moves their residence to Ohio, thereby no longer living or working in the Commonwealth. Which statement accurately describes the notary's status and obligations?

Accepted Answer

They are deemed to have resigned their commission and must deliver their journal to the recorder of deeds within 30 days.

Answer

If a notary public no longer resides or works in the Commonwealth, they are deemed to have resigned their commission. They must notify the Department of State and deliver their journal(s) to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where they last maintained an office within 30 days of the resignation.

Question 5

Upon the expiration of their commission, a notary decides not to reapply. What is the correct procedure regarding their notarial journal?

Accepted Answer

The journal must be delivered to the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary last held an office within 30 days.

Answer

Pennsylvania law requires that upon the expiration of a commission (without reapplying), resignation, or death, the notary's journal must be delivered to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary last maintained an office within 30 days.

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary Commission Maintenance 2