PA NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PA NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In a notarial certificate for an acknowledgment, what statement does the Pennsylvania Notary Public attest to? → That the principal signed the document voluntarily for the purposes stated therein.
2. Under Pennsylvania law, besides notaries public, which of the following officers is ALSO authorized to administer oaths? → Magisterial district judges and other judicial officers
3. What is the primary and most common method for a Pennsylvania notary to obtain satisfactory evidence of a signer's identity? → Verification of a government-issued identification credential
4. Which of the following is a required component of identity verification for a remote online notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania? → The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).
5. What should a Pennsylvania notary do in case of loss or theft of their stamping device? → Promptly notify the Department of State upon discovery
6. A notary's official stamp must contain the county where the notary's ______ is located. → business office
7. Which of the following is strictly prohibited from appearing on the official notary stamp? → The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
8. Who is exempt from becoming a Pennsylvania Notary? → All of the above
9. What should a notary do with their official stamp if they do not renew their commission? → Destroy or deface it.
10. A Pennsylvania Notary Public decides to change the style of their official signature. What action is required regarding this change? → The notary must notify the Department of State in writing of the change.
11. What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Pennsylvania? → 18 years old
12. Handling electronic records requires the notary in Pennsylvania to be registered with the department: → Before receiving any electronic notarization requests
13. A notary is strictly prohibited from which of the following acts? → Using the official stamp on a document not related to a notarial act.
14. When administering an oath, what action MUST a Pennsylvania notary take beyond simply having the signer sign the document? → Verbally administer the oath with appropriate ceremony
15. According to Pennsylvania law, which of the following details *must* be recorded in a notary's journal for *every* notarial act performed? → The fee charged for the notarial act.
16. Who is responsible for paying a claim against the notary bond if the notary is found at fault? → The surety company, which the notary must then reimburse
17. A notary who is also a licensed insurance agent is selling a policy to a client. Can the notary notarize the client's signature on the insurance application? → No, this is a prohibited act due to a direct financial interest.
18. An electronic seal used for an e-notarization or RON must contain: → The notary's name, title, county, and commission number.
19. What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for certifying a copy of a document? → $5.00
20. A notary public chooses not to charge any fees for their services. Which of the following requirements are they exempt from? → Displaying a schedule of fees in their place of business.
21. May a Pennsylvania notary express a preference for an oath over an affirmation, or vice versa, when asked to administer one? → No, the notary must remain neutral and respect the signer's choice
22. A Pennsylvania notary's commission was revoked for failing to maintain a bond. Which of the following is true regarding their ability to be re-commissioned? → They may reapply, but the Department of State can reject the application for good cause.
23. At the time of performing a remote online notarization (RON), the notary public must be physically located: → Within the physical boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
24. Which of the following is NOT a required element on a Pennsylvania notary's official stamp? → The notary's commission ID number
25. How must a notary public secure their official stamping device? → It must be kept in a secure area accessible only to the notary.
26. A Pennsylvania notary is performing a RON. The notary must retain the audio-visual recording of the notarial act for a minimum of: → 10 years.
27. A Pennsylvania notary is asked to administer an oath for an affidavit. The signer states they do not believe in God. What should the notary do? → Administer an affirmation instead of an oath
28. Which of the following documents is explicitly ineligible for Remote Online Notarization in Pennsylvania, even if all other RON requirements are met? → A motor vehicle title transfer.
29. Who determines the fees that a Pennsylvania notary can charge for their services? → State Department
30. Who promulgates the rules and regulations under the Notary Act as per Chapter 3 Section 327(a)? → PA Department of State