How do I get my notary license in PA? It's a straightforward question with a specific answer: Pennsylvania has a defined process you follow in order, and each step builds on the previous one. There are no shortcuts, but there are also no hidden surprises — if you know the steps and complete them in sequence, you'll have your commission.
This guide walks through every step in Pennsylvania's notary commissioning process, what each step involves, how long it takes, and what you need to know before you start.
Before you start the process, confirm you meet Pennsylvania's basic eligibility requirements for notary public applicants:
If you have a criminal history, it's worth consulting the Pennsylvania Department of State's guidance or an attorney before investing in education and examination fees. The background check happens late in the process — discovering a disqualification after you've spent money and time on the earlier steps is a worse outcome than learning early.
Pennsylvania requires all notary applicants to complete a minimum of 3 hours of approved notary education before taking the state exam. This education must come from a provider approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Approved providers include:
The 3-hour course covers Pennsylvania's notary law (the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, or RULONA), notarial acts and how to perform them, the notary's journal requirements, prohibited conduct, and your responsibilities as a commissioned notary.
Cost: online courses typically run $25–$75. In-person classroom options are available but less common. Most people complete the online option, which can be finished in one sitting.
At the end of the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you'll need it as part of your documentation.
Pennsylvania requires all new notary applicants to pass a state examination. The exam is administered by an approved testing vendor (currently through a proctored online or in-person format).
The exam covers:
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You need to score 80% or higher to pass. If you fail, you can retake after a waiting period.
Exam fee: currently around $65 per attempt. Schedule the exam through the Department of State's approved testing portal.
Tip: Don't just complete the 3-hour course and immediately sit the exam. Take time to review the material thoroughly, especially the specific statutory requirements (fee limits, journal entries, required certificate language). Practice questions are one of the most effective preparation tools — they test whether you've actually learned the rules, not just read through them.
Pennsylvania requires all notaries to obtain a $10,000 surety bond before the commission is issued. This bond must remain in force for your entire four-year commission term.
The surety bond protects members of the public who suffer financial loss due to your notarial misconduct. It's not insurance for you — if the bond pays a claim, you're obligated to reimburse the surety company. Consider also purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance separately, which does protect you personally. E&O insurance is optional under Pennsylvania law but strongly recommended if you plan to notarize frequently or for high-value transactions.
Where to get the bond:
Cost: typically $50–$100 for the full four-year bond term. This is one of the lowest-cost required elements of the process.
When you purchase the bond, you'll receive a bond document that you include with your commission application.
Once you've completed the education, passed the exam, and obtained the bond, you can submit your notary commission application. Applications are submitted through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online portal.
Your application includes:
You do NOT need to submit your education certificate with the initial application — but keep it on file. The Department of State may request documentation verifying education completion, and you'll need it if questions arise later.
Processing time: applications are typically processed within 4–6 weeks, though times vary. You'll receive notification when your commission is approved.
After the Department of State approves your application and issues your commission, you must take the oath of office. This is a formal step that officially activates your commission.
The oath is administered by the Recorder of Deeds in your county. You have 45 days from the date your commission is issued to take the oath. If you miss the 45-day window, your commission is void and you must restart the application process.
What to bring to the oath appointment:
Contact your county recorder of deeds in advance to confirm their schedule, fees, and any specific requirements. Some counties allow walk-in appointments for oath administration; others require scheduling in advance.
After taking the oath, you're officially commissioned — but you need the right tools to perform notarizations legally.
Official notary seal: Pennsylvania law requires commissioned notaries to use an official seal (stamp or embosser) that contains specific information: your name, the words "Notary Public," "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," and your commission expiration date. The seal must conform to regulatory specifications regarding size and content. Most notary supply vendors offer compliant seals — verify the specifications against current DIFI requirements.
Notary journal: Pennsylvania requires notaries to maintain a journal of all notarial acts. The journal must record the date and time of each act, the type of notarial act, identification information for the signer, the document involved, the fee charged (if any), and other required details. Pre-formatted notary journals are available from notary supply vendors and associations.
Cost: a basic seal and journal package typically runs $30–$70 from notary supply vendors. If you're doing remote online notarization, you'll also need a digital electronic seal that meets Pennsylvania's e-notarization requirements.
Pennsylvania authorizes notaries to perform remote online notarizations after completing additional requirements. RON allows you to notarize documents for signers who are physically located anywhere — not just in your presence.
To perform RON in Pennsylvania, you must:
RON is optional — you don't need to do it to be a commissioned Pennsylvania notary. But if you're planning to offer mobile notary or loan signing services, RON capability significantly expands your market. RON allows up to $25 per act versus $5 for in-person notarizations, which can substantially increase revenue if you're doing high volumes.
From starting your education to having a commission in hand and being ready to notarize:
Total realistic timeline: 6–10 weeks from starting education to being fully commissioned and equipped to notarize. Plan accordingly if you need the commission by a specific date.
Pennsylvania notary commissions are valid for four years. Renewal is not automatic — you must actively apply for renewal before your commission expires. The renewal process is simpler than the initial application: there's no exam for renewals, but you do need to complete a 3-hour continuing education course, obtain a new bond, and pay the renewal application fee.
Start the renewal process at least 60–90 days before your commission expiration. A commission that expires without renewal means a gap in your authority to notarize — and any notarizations you perform after expiration are invalid.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A notary is asked to notarize a document for an individual whose driver's license expired two months ago. The notary should:
Answer: B. 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.
A notary uses an embossing seal, in addition to their official rubber stamp, on a document. To ensure the embossed impression is photographically reproducible, they use an "impression inker." The inker smudges, obscuring part of the notary's name within the embossed image. What should the notary do?
Answer: B. Make another clear impression with the embosser and inker elsewhere on the document near the original.
While the embosser is optional, if a notary chooses to use one and the impression is not legible (especially after attempting to make it reproducible), the best practice is to make another, clear impression in a different place on the document, without overlapping other text or seals.
If a notary's journal is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Department of State. What is the maximum administrative penalty the Department may impose specifically for this or other violations of the notary law?
Answer: B. A fine of up to $1,000 for each act or omission.
57 Pa.C.S. § 323(a.1) authorizes the Department of State to impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 on a notary public for each act or omission that constitutes a violation of the chapter. This includes failing to properly secure and maintain the journal, as well as failing to report its loss.
A notary resigns from their position with a law firm. The firm's manager, who paid for the notary's commission and supplies, demands the notary surrender their official stamp and journal. What is the notary's legal obligation?
Answer: C. Refuse to surrender the equipment, as it is the exclusive property of the notary.
Under Pennsylvania law, the official stamping device and the notary journal are the exclusive property of the notary public to whom they are issued, regardless of who paid for them. A notary must never surrender their equipment to an employer upon termination of employment.
Take the full PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam practice test
Getting your notary license in Pennsylvania is a clearly defined process with no hidden complications — as long as you follow the steps in order and don't let any deadlines slip. The most important time pressure is the 45-day oath window after your commission is issued. Mark that date the moment you receive your commission paperwork and schedule the oath appointment immediately.
For most people, the exam is the most substantive hurdle. Pennsylvania's 80% passing standard is higher than most states, and the content covers specific statutory requirements that require real study — not just skim-reading the course materials. Practice tests that mirror the actual exam format are one of the most efficient ways to prepare. Take them seriously, learn from what you miss, and walk into the exam knowing you're ready.