PA Notary Commission Maintenance

Question 1

A Pennsylvania Notary Public changes their residential address. Within how many days must this change be reported to the Department of State?

Accepted Answer

30 days

Answer

Pennsylvania law requires a notary to notify the Department of State of a change in residential or business address within 30 days. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.

Question 2

A Pennsylvania Notary Public legally changes their name. Which of the following actions is NOT required?

Accepted Answer

Apply for a new notary commission.

Answer

When a notary's name changes, they must notify the Department of State within 45 days, obtain a new seal reflecting the new name, and obtain a new bond endorsement (rider) reflecting the new name. They do not need to apply for a *new* commission; the existing commission continues under the new name.

Question 3

A Pennsylvania Notary Public discovers their notary journal has been lost or stolen. What is the immediate required action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency immediately.

Answer

Upon discovering a lost or stolen notary journal, the notary must immediately notify the Department of State and a law enforcement agency. This is crucial to prevent fraudulent use of the journal and to protect the public.

Question 4

A Pennsylvania Notary Public is arrested for a misdemeanor offense. Within what timeframe must this be reported to the Department of State?

Accepted Answer

30 days.

Answer

A notary public must notify the Department of State within 30 days of any arrest or indictment for a felony or misdemeanor, or any conviction for a felony or misdemeanor. This ensures the Department can assess the notary's continued fitness for the office.

Question 5

A Pennsylvania Notary Public decides to change the style of their official signature. What action is required regarding this change?

Accepted Answer

The notary must notify the Department of State in writing of the change.

Answer

While a notary's signature must be consistent with the signature on file with the Department of State at the time of application, if a notary *changes* their official signature during their commission term, they must notify the Department of State in writing. This ensures the Department has the most current official signature on record for verification purposes.

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary - Pennsylvania Notary Exam Practice Test

PA Notary Commission Maintenance