Becoming a notary in Pennsylvania takes more steps than most people expect — but it's completely doable if you follow the process in order. The PA notary application involves a state-approved education course, a written exam, a surety bond, an oath of office, and finally, the commission issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Skip a step or do them out of order and you'll be starting over.
Pennsylvania's notary rules are governed by the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), which took effect in 2017 and significantly updated the requirements. If you're looking at older guides online, double-check that the information reflects current requirements — a lot has changed.
Before you invest time and money in the application, confirm you actually qualify. Pennsylvania requires that you:
Non-residents who work in Pennsylvania can apply — this is useful for people who live in a neighboring state but have their primary workplace in PA.
Pennsylvania requires all new notary applicants to complete a 3-hour, state-approved education course before taking the exam. This isn't optional — you can't sit for the exam without a course completion certificate.
Approved providers include the Pennsylvania Association of Notaries (PAN), the National Notary Association, and several online providers. Most courses cost $25–$75 and can be completed online at your own pace. The course covers Pennsylvania notary law, proper notarial procedures, record-keeping requirements, and electronic notarization rules.
Save your certificate of completion — you'll need it when you submit your application.
After completing your education course, you take the state notary exam through a PAN-approved testing provider. The exam covers Pennsylvania notary law, correct notarization procedures, record-keeping requirements, and handling of challenging situations like signatures by mark or by another person at the signer's direction.
The exam is 30 questions, multiple-choice, with a passing score of 80% (you need to answer at least 24 questions correctly). You have 60 minutes. Most candidates who've completed their education course and done some practice testing pass on the first attempt.
If you're the type who gets test-day nerves or want to make sure you pass clean the first time, working through PA notary practice questions before your exam date makes a real difference.
Pennsylvania requires all notaries to have a $10,000 surety bond for the 4-year commission term. This isn't insurance for you — it's protection for the public in case you cause financial harm through notarial misconduct or error. If a claim is paid, you're personally responsible for reimbursing the bonding company.
Surety bonds for PA notaries typically cost $30–$50 for the 4-year term. You can get one through PAN, NNA, insurance brokers, or many banks. You'll need the bond before you can submit your application.
The official PA notary application is submitted through the Pennsylvania Notary Division's online portal. You'll need:
Applications are reviewed by the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation. Processing time varies but often runs 4–8 weeks. You won't be authorized to perform notarial acts until you receive your commission and take your oath.
Once your commission is approved, you'll receive a commission certificate. You must then appear before an officer authorized to administer oaths (often a county prothonotary or another notary) to take your oath of office — within 45 days of your commission date.
After taking the oath, you're officially commissioned. Now you can order your notary seal and journal and begin performing notarial acts in Pennsylvania.
Your PA notary commission is valid for 4 years. The commission identifies you by name, your county, and the expiration date. Your notary seal (stamp or embosser) must include your name exactly as it appears on your commission, the words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" and "Notary Public," and your commission expiration date.
Pennsylvania also requires notaries to maintain a notarial record (journal) for most notarial acts. Electronic and remote online notarization (RON) are authorized under RULONA, but require additional registration and technology compliance.
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The Pennsylvania notary application process is sequential — you can't jump ahead. But you can start preparing for the exam right now, before you even enroll in your education course. Familiarity with Pennsylvania notary law concepts going into the course makes the material click faster and shortens your overall timeline.
Work through practice questions covering commission maintenance, notarial acts, record-keeping, and electronic notarization rules. These are exactly the topics the state exam covers. Candidates who arrive at exam day having already wrestled with these question types consistently report feeling more confident and finishing with time to spare.
Use our free PA Notary practice test to benchmark your current knowledge and identify what to prioritize in your study plan.