Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Where must a notary public take their oath of office?

At the office of the recorder of deeds for the notary's county (Correct answer)
At any courthouse in Pennsylvania
Before the Secretary of the Commonwealth in Harrisburg
In the presence of another commissioned notary public

Correct 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.

Question 2: Where should a Pennsylvania notary public send letters of resignation?

Local Chamber of Commerce
Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation (Correct answer)
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
County Recorder of Deeds

Correct answer: Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation

When a Pennsylvania notary public wishes to resign their commission, they must send their letter of resignation to the Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation. This bureau is the official body responsible for managing notary commissions, including appointments, renewals, and resignations. Proper notification ensures the official record of their commission status is updated.

Question 3: An applicant for a notary commission will be disqualified if they have been convicted of a felony or a lesser offense involving what?

Fraud, dishonesty, or deceit (Correct answer)
Disorderly conduct
Any misdemeanor
Any moving violation

Correct answer: Fraud, dishonesty, or deceit

The Department of State will deny an application if the applicant has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a lesser offense involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.

Question 4: A Pennsylvania notary's commission expired two days ago. To be reappointed, the individual submitted a renewal application the week before expiration. What is the most significant requirement they must now meet that they would have avoided if the application had been processed before the expiration?

They must complete another three-hour notary education course.
They must take and pass the Pearson VUE notary examination. (Correct answer)
They must re-register their signature with the prothonotary.
They must obtain a new $10,000 surety bond.

Correct answer: They must take and pass the Pearson VUE notary examination.

According to Pennsylvania notary law, if a notary's commission lapses, even by one day, they are required to take and pass the state-administered examination to be reappointed. Submitting the application before expiration is not enough; the reappointment must be processed before the old commission expires to avoid the exam requirement.

Question 5: During a Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania, what is the specific requirement for the notarial certificate?

The certificate must list the specific brand of communication technology used.
The certificate does not require any special wording different from a traditional notarization.
The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology. (Correct answer)
The certificate must be physically mailed to the signer within 24 hours.

Correct answer: The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology.

When a notarial act is performed remotely in Pennsylvania, the law requires that the certificate of notarial act explicitly states it was performed using communication technology. This disclosure is critical for the legal validity and transparency of the remote notarization process.

Question 6: A notary's surety company makes a payment to a claimant due to the notary's misconduct. Under Pennsylvania law, what is the surety's specific obligation to the Department of State following this payment?

The surety must request the notary's commission be immediately revoked.
The surety must notify the Department within 60 days of the payment.
The surety is required to automatically double the bond amount.
The surety must notify the Department not later than 30 days after making the payment. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The surety must notify the Department not later than 30 days after making the payment.

Pennsylvania law (57 Pa.C.S. § 321(e)(6)) explicitly requires the surety or issuing entity to notify the Department of State not later than 30 days after making a payment to a claimant under the notary's bond. This ensures the Department is aware of misconduct that resulted in a financial loss and can take appropriate disciplinary action.

Question 7: If a notary's commission expires and they wish to be commissioned again, what is the required process?

Take a 6-hour education course instead of the usual 3 hours.
Petition the Department of State for a 60-day extension.
Apply as a new notary and pass the required examination. (Correct answer)
Pay a late fee and complete the reappointment paperwork.

Correct answer: Apply as a new notary and pass the required examination.

Once a commission has expired, the individual cannot be reappointed. They must start over and meet all the requirements for a new applicant, including passing the state-administered exam.

Question 8: Which of the following is a required component of identity verification for a remote online notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania?

Having a credible witness present with the signer at their remote location.
A verbal confirmation of the signer's date of birth and address.
The signer emailing a scanned copy of their ID to the notary beforehand.
The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA). (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).

RON requires a robust, multi-factor identity verification process. This includes remote presentation of an ID, analysis of the ID's security features by the technology platform (credential analysis), and having the signer answer questions based on their personal and credit history (knowledge-based authentication, or KBA).

Question 9: A signer with a severe speech impediment, rendering them non-verbal, needs a document notarized. They can communicate clearly and effectively by writing on a whiteboard. They have presented valid identification. What must the notary do to properly complete the notarial act?

Have a family member verbally answer the notary's questions on behalf of the signer.
Proceed with the notarization, using the whiteboard for all required communication, including the acknowledgment or oath. (Correct answer)
Refuse the notarization as verbal communication is required for an oath.
Require a qualified sign language interpreter to be present.

Correct answer: Proceed with the notarization, using the whiteboard for all required communication, including the acknowledgment or oath.

Pennsylvania notaries must be able to communicate with the signer. This communication does not have to be verbal. If the notary can satisfactorily communicate with the signer through writing, gestures, or other means and is confident the signer is aware, willing, and understands the document, the notarization may proceed. The key is direct communication between the notary and the signer.

Question 10: If a notary's official stamp is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Department of State within what timeframe?

Immediately by phone
Within 30 days
At the time of commission renewal
Within 10 days, in writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within 10 days, in writing

A notary must notify the Department of State in writing within 10 days of discovering that their official stamping device has been lost or stolen.

Question 11: For a remote notarization in Pennsylvania, how may the notary identify a signer who is not personally known?

By the signer emailing a photo of their license
By the signer stating their name on video
By checking the signer's social media profile
Through a credible witness or approved identity proofing and credential analysis via the communication technology (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Through a credible witness or approved identity proofing and credential analysis via the communication technology

Remote notarization requires personal knowledge, a credible witness, or identity proofing with credential analysis through approved technology.

Question 12: A document's principal signer cannot appear, but a subscribing witness who saw the principal sign is present. When notarizing on the basis of this witness, what is the core component of the verbal ceremony?

Administering an oath or affirmation to the witness regarding their own identity.
Asking the witness to acknowledge their own signature on the document.
Having the witness sign a separate affidavit confirming the principal's absence.
Administering an oath or affirmation to the witness confirming they personally saw the principal sign the record. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Administering an oath or affirmation to the witness confirming they personally saw the principal sign the record.

The notarial act of taking a verification on oath of a subscribing witness (also known as a proof of execution) centers on the witness swearing or affirming that they personally witnessed the principal signer execute the document. This sworn testimony is what the notary is certifying.

Question 13: Who promulgates the rules and regulations under the Notary Act as per Chapter 3 Section 327(a)?

PA Department of Education
PA Department of State (Correct answer)
PA Department of Health
PA Department of Revenue

Correct answer: PA Department of State

In Pennsylvania, the Department of State is the governmental body entrusted with the oversight and regulation of Notaries Public. This includes the authority to promulgate the rules and regulations under the Notary Act, as specified in Chapter 3 Section 327(a), ensuring proper conduct, training, and adherence to legal standards for all notarial acts within the state.

Question 14: Who is responsible for the security of the stamping device in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Department of State
Local Law Enforcement
Notary (Correct answer)
County Recorder of Deeds

Correct answer: Notary

The notary public themselves is solely responsible for the security and proper use of their stamping device in Pennsylvania. They must take all reasonable steps to prevent its loss, theft, or unauthorized use. This responsibility underscores the importance of the stamping device as an official tool and the notary's accountability for its integrity.

Question 15: A person asks a notary to simply 'certify' a copy of their U.S. birth certificate. The notary should:

Make a copy, stamp it with the official seal, and sign it.
Charge an extra fee for the complexity of the request.
Refuse the request and explain that they are not authorized to certify vital records. (Correct answer)
Have the person sign a statement that the copy is true, and notarize that signature.

Correct answer: Refuse the request and explain that they are not authorized to certify vital records.

In Pennsylvania, notaries are not authorized to certify copies of vital records like birth, death, or marriage certificates. These copies must be obtained from the official government agency that holds the original record (e.g., the Department of Health, Division of Vital Records).

Question 16: A Pennsylvania-commissioned notary is physically located in Pittsburgh and is asked to perform a RON for a U.S. citizen who is temporarily in France. The document being notarized is a deed for property located in Ohio. Which of the following is the most significant factor for the PA notary to consider before proceeding?

The time zone difference between Pittsburgh and France.
Whether Ohio recording offices will accept a Pennsylvania RON.
Whether the act of signing the record is prohibited by French law. (Correct answer)
The cost of the specific RON technology platform for international sessions.

Correct answer: Whether the act of signing the record is prohibited by French law.

According to Pennsylvania law (57 Pa. C.S. § 306.1(b)(4)), when a remotely located individual is outside the United States, the notary must ensure the act of making the statement or signing the record is not prohibited by the foreign state where the individual is located. While other factors are practical considerations, this is a specific legal requirement for the validity of the notarization itself.

Question 17: All of the following are permitted EXCEPT:

acknowledgements
verifications
stamped signatures (Correct answer)
oaths and affirmations

Correct answer: stamped signatures

Pennsylvania notary law permits notaries to perform acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, and verifications. However, using stamped signatures is generally not permitted for the notary's own signature on official documents. A notary's signature must typically be an original, handwritten signature to authenticate the notarial act and ensure its validity.

Question 18: A Pennsylvania notary's office of record is in Lycoming County. They move their residence to Dauphin County but continue to work at the same office in Lycoming County. Which of the following actions is required?

Resign their commission as they no longer reside in the county of their office.
Notify the Department of State of the new home address within 30 days. (Correct answer)
Re-register their signature with the Prothonotary in Dauphin County.
Obtain a new bond and retake the oath of office in Lycoming County.

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

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, there is no need to re-register the signature in the new county of residence. The commission is valid statewide, and moving one's residence does not require resignation as long as the notary still works or resides in the Commonwealth.

Question 19: What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for certifying a copy of a document?

$15.00
$10.00
$5.00 (Correct answer)
$2.00

Correct answer: $5.00

The maximum fee for certifying or attesting a copy of a document is $5.00. This is consistent with the fee for many other basic notarial acts.

Question 20: A signer's appearance differs significantly from the ID photo and the signer becomes evasive when asked questions. What is the notary's proper response?

Notarize because the ID is current and government-issued
Notarize and note the discrepancy in the journal only
Ask a bystander whether the person looks like the photo
Refuse to perform the notarial act if not satisfied as to identity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarial act if not satisfied as to identity

A notary may refuse when there is reasonable doubt about the signer's identity, even if an ID is presented.

Question 21: For how long must a Pennsylvania notary public retain their official journal and all other notarial records?

Until the notary's commission expires.
3 years after the date of the notarial act.
5 years after the date of the notarial act.
7 years after the date of the notarial act. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7 years after the date of the notarial act.

Pennsylvania notaries are required to retain their journals and all other notarial records for a period of seven years after the date of the notarial act. This ensures a sufficient record-keeping period for legal and administrative purposes.

Question 22: Upon the expiration, resignation, or revocation of a Pennsylvania notary public's commission, what is the proper procedure for the disposition of their official journal and other notarial records?

The notary must destroy all records within 30 days.
The notary may keep the journal and records indefinitely for personal reference.
The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days. (Correct answer)
The notary must transfer the journal and records to another active notary public.

Correct answer: The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days.

Pennsylvania law requires a notary public whose commission expires, is resigned, or revoked to deliver their official journal and all other notarial records to the Department of State within 30 days. This ensures continuity of records and proper archiving.

Question 23: A notary's commission expired on May 1, 2024. In August 2024, a former client discovers a financial loss due to the notary's negligent act on a document notarized in March 2023. Which statement accurately describes the liability in this situation?

The notary is personally liable, but the surety company has no further obligation after the commission expires.
The notary's bond is no longer active, so no claim can be filed.
The former client must sue the notary's Errors & Omissions insurance policy, as the bond is void.
A claim can be filed against the surety bond that was in effect at the time of the notarial act. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A claim can be filed against the surety bond that was in effect at the time of the notarial act.

A notary's surety bond covers acts performed during the term of the notary public commission. Even though the commission has expired and the notary is no longer active, the surety remains liable for wrongful acts that occurred while the bond was in force. The client who suffered a loss can file a claim against the bond that was active in March 2023.

Question 24: A notary resigns their commission with two years remaining in their term. What is the required procedure for handling their official journal?

The journal must be delivered to the Department of State within 30 days.
The journal must be delivered to the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary last maintained an office within 30 days. (Correct answer)
The notary must retain the journal for 10 years following the resignation date.
The journal must be shredded or otherwise securely destroyed to protect signer privacy.

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

Upon resignation of a commission, a Pennsylvania notary public is required to deliver their journal to the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where they last maintained an office. This must be done within 30 days of the resignation.

Question 25: 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 (Correct answer)
Apply the notary seal before the oath is spoken
File the completed affidavit with the Secretary of State
Record the oath text in the county courthouse

Correct answer: Verbally administer the oath with appropriate ceremony

A PA notary must actually and verbally administer the oath with appropriate ceremony—the signer cannot merely sign; the oath words must be spoken aloud.

Question 26: A Pennsylvania notary's stamping device is stolen from their locked office over a weekend. They leave for a week-long vacation on Monday morning without entering the office and only discover the theft upon their return a full week later. According to Pennsylvania law, by when must the notary report the theft to the Department of State?

Within 30 days of returning from vacation.
Immediately upon discovering the theft, by the next business day.
Within 15 days of the date the theft likely occurred.
Within 15 days of discovering the theft. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within 15 days of discovering the theft.

Pennsylvania RULONA requires a notary to notify the Department of State within 15 days of *discovering* that their stamping device is lost or stolen. The clock starts from the moment of discovery, not the date the item was actually taken.

Question 27: A client presents a document with a pre-printed notarial certificate from another state. The certificate is for an acknowledgment but omits the county where the notarization is taking place. What should the Pennsylvania notary do?

Use the out-of-state certificate as is, since the notarization is valid if performed in PA.
Cross out the pre-printed certificate and attach a loose certificate that complies with PA law.
Refuse to notarize the document because the certificate is from another state.
Correct the certificate by crossing through the incorrect venue (if any) and writing in the correct Pennsylvania county. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Correct the certificate by crossing through the incorrect venue (if any) and writing in the correct Pennsylvania county.

A Pennsylvania notary may use a pre-printed out-of-state certificate as long as it substantially complies with PA law and allows the notary to perform all required steps. However, the venue must always reflect the actual location (state and county) where the notarization takes place. The notary should correct the venue on the certificate by lining through any incorrect information and inserting the correct location.

Question 28: A notary is employed by a large, publicly traded construction company. The notary's spouse is a salaried project manager for the same company. The spouse's annual bonus is tied to the overall profitability of the company, not to specific projects. The notary is asked to notarize a construction contract for a major project. According to Pennsylvania law, is this a prohibited act due to a conflict of interest?

Yes, because the spouse's bonus is tied to company profitability, creating a pecuniary interest.
No, because being an employee of a company that is party to the transaction is not a disqualifying interest on its own.
No, as long as the notary's fee is not contingent on the completion of the notarized transaction. (Correct answer)
Yes, because any financial interest held by a spouse, direct or indirect, is disqualifying.

Correct answer: No, as long as the notary's fee is not contingent on the completion of the notarized transaction.

Under RULONA, a notary may not perform a notarial act if they or their spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest in the record. However, the law clarifies that receiving a fee not contingent on the completion of the transaction, or being an officer/employee of a party company, does not in itself constitute a direct or pecuniary interest unless the individual personally benefits from the transaction beyond a regular salary or non-contingent bonus. Since the spouse's bonus is tied to overall profitability and not this specific contract, and the notary's fee is the standard allowed fee, it is not considered a prohibitive conflict of interest.

Question 29: A principal wishes to sign a Power of Attorney (POA) by making a mark. Under Pennsylvania law (20 Pa. C.S. 5601), what specific witness requirement must be met for this scenario?

The notary is the only witness required.
The mark must be witnessed by one disinterested adult.
The mark must be acknowledged before the notary and witnessed by two adults who are not the agent or the notary. (Correct answer)
The mark must be witnessed by the agent named in the POA.

Correct answer: The mark must be acknowledged before the notary and witnessed by two adults who are not the agent or the notary.

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes for Powers of Attorney have specific requirements for a signature by mark. The law states the principal's mark must be acknowledged before a notary public and also be witnessed by two adult individuals. Critically, these witnesses cannot be the agent named in the POA, a substitute signer, or the notary performing the notarization.

Question 30: A Pennsylvania notary discovers their official stamping device has been misplaced and is unavailable. According to the law, what is the specific timeframe within which the notary must report this to the Department of State?

Within 15 days of discovering the loss. (Correct answer)
Immediately, but no later than 24 hours.
Within 30 days of the discovery.
Within 3 business days of the discovery.

Correct answer: Within 15 days of discovering the loss.

Pennsylvania notary law requires a notary public to promptly report the loss or theft of their stamping device (or journal) to the Department of State. The report must be made within fifteen (15) days of the discovery of the loss or theft. The term 'loss' includes devices that are misplaced, destroyed, or otherwise made unavailable.

Question 31: A Pennsylvania notary who is authorized to perform remote online notarizations (RON) conducts a notarization for a single electronic document with one signature. What is the maximum fee this notary can charge for this specific notarial act, excluding any administrative fees?

$20.00, as specified for electronic notarizations. (Correct answer)
$10.00, double the standard fee.
$25.00, as set by federal guidelines.
$5.00, the standard fee for a signature.

Correct answer: $20.00, as specified for electronic notarizations.

Pennsylvania regulations that took effect in 2026 allow electronic and remote notaries public to charge a fee not to exceed $20 per notarial act performed with respect to electronic records or using communication technology. This is a different, higher fee than for traditional, in-person notarizations.

Question 32: Which of the following documents typically requires the administration of an oath or affirmation by a Pennsylvania notary?

A deed transferring real estate requiring an acknowledgment
A corporate resolution authorizing officers to sign
A contract for the sale of goods under $500
An affidavit submitted as evidence in a court proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An affidavit submitted as evidence in a court proceeding

Affidavits are sworn written statements that require the signer to take an oath or affirmation before a notary, confirming the truthfulness of the document's contents.

Question 33: A notary is asked to notarize a document for an individual whose driver's license expired two months ago. The notary should:

Ask for a second, non-expired item like a utility bill to supplement the ID.
Proceed, but make a note in the journal that the ID was expired.
Proceed if the photo on the ID still clearly resembles the signer.
Refuse the notarization until the signer provides a current, valid ID. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refuse the notarization until the signer provides a current, valid ID.

Pennsylvania law requires that an identification credential must be 'current,' meaning it cannot be expired. An expired ID is not acceptable for identifying a signer, and the notary must refuse the notarization on that basis.

Question 34: What are the requirements for a person to serve as a credible witness in Pennsylvania?

The witness must be a resident of the same county as the notary.
The witness must sign the document that is being notarized.
The witness must personally know the signer and be identified by the notary. (Correct answer)
The witness must be a family member of the signer.

Correct answer: The witness must personally know the signer and be identified by the notary.

A credible witness must personally know the signer. The notary, in turn, must identify the credible witness through either personal knowledge or a valid government-issued ID presented by the witness.

Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam

The Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam tests knowledge of notarial acts, Pennsylvania notary law, identification requirements, journal keeping, and ethical obligations required for commissioning.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

pa.gov — Eligibility, fees, registration deadline, retake policy, renewal · verified Oct 2026
pearsonvue.com — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026