Bond & Oath Flashcards
7 cards from real PA NOTARY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Bond & Oath flashcards as text
What is the required amount for a notary public's surety bond in Pennsylvania?
Answer: $10,000
Every notary public in Pennsylvania is required to obtain and maintain a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 for the duration of their four-year commission.
What is the primary purpose of a notary's surety bond?
Answer: To protect the public from financial harm caused by the notary's misconduct
The surety bond is in place to protect the public from financial harm resulting from the notary's negligence, errors, or willful misconduct. It does not protect the notary from liability.
Within how many days of appointment must a notary take the oath of office and record their bond and commission?
Answer: 45 days
A newly appointed notary has 45 days from the date of their appointment to appear before the recorder of deeds, take their oath, and record their bond, oath, and commission.
What happens if a notary fails to file their bond and take the oath of office within the required timeframe?
Answer: The commission becomes null and void.
Failure to take the oath and file the bond, oath, and commission with the recorder of deeds within the 45-day period results in the notary's commission becoming null and void. The individual must reapply from the beginning.
Where must a notary public take their oath of office?
Answer: At the office of the recorder of deeds for the notary's county
The oath of office must be taken and subscribed before the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary maintains their business office.
Which three documents must be recorded at the recorder of deeds office within 45 days of appointment?
Answer: Commission, oath of office, and bond
The notary must record their signed oath of office, the original surety bond, and their commission certificate at the recorder of deeds office.
Who is responsible for paying a claim against the notary bond if the notary is found at fault?
Answer: The surety company, which the notary must then reimburse
The surety company will pay the claim to the injured party up to the bond amount ($10,000). However, the notary is then legally obligated to reimburse the surety company for the full amount paid out, plus any legal fees.