Becoming A Pennsylvania Notary | Step By Step Notary Public Guide

The Step-by-Step Process to Becoming a Notary in Pennsylvania

A notary public career can be very rewarding. You can support your community and strengthen your professional credentials, all while working on your own schedule.

But between filling out documents, completing educational requirements, and prepping for the exam, the process of earning a commission can feel overwhelming. Especially if it's your first time applying.

If you're feeling stressed, you're not alone. We're here to help. Here's a look at what it takes to become a notary so you can be fully prepared the whole way through.

1. Verify You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before submitting your application, make sure that you're an eligible candidate. Notary applicants in the state must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in or work at a physical location within PA
• Have a home address on record that is not a P.O. Box
• Be a permanent legal resident or U.S. citizen
• Demonstrate good character, meaning no disqualifying criminal convictions within the last five years
• Be able to read and write in English
• Not have had a commission revoked during the past five years

The Pennsylvania Department of State regulates these standards to ensure integrity in individuals authorized to perform notarial acts.

2. Complete the Required Education Program

All applicants — both new and renewing notaries — must complete a three-hour basic education course within the six months preceding the application.

A state-approved online course is included with our comprehensive notary package. Unlike traditional in-person learning programs, there's no classroom or instructor. You can study at your own pace and from whatever location is most convenient.

What's Covered in the Course?

Our training covers the fundamentals of a notary's duties and key exam topics, including:

• Identifying signers
• Using your notary stamp correctly
• Document types and certificate wording
• Preventing fraud
• Recordkeeping
• Rules for administering oaths
• Requirements for acknowledgments, affidavits, and depositions
• Understanding your commission expiration date
• How to use an electronic notary system

These lessons prepare you for the exam and provide the knowledge you'll need to perform your duties as a Pennsylvania notary.

3. Submit Your Application

Once you finish the course, you're ready to apply for your commission. Be sure to download a copy of your Education Certificate from our website and have all other required documents readily available beforehand.

How to Apply

• Visit the state's online application page
• Select “New Appointment”
• Fill out the form (your name as you would like it to appear on your commission, birthday, address, Social Security number, employer information, etc.)
• Upload the requested documents, including your course completion certificate
• Pay the $42 fee

Processing takes four to six weeks. After the state reviews your application, you'll receive an Approval to Test email from Pearson VUE granting permission to schedule your exam.

4. Take the Exam

All prospective notaries must pass a closed-book exam before they can get commissioned. The test is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 30 questions.

Common topics include:

• Proper ID verification
• Journal entries
• Fees and prohibited actions
• Types of acceptable identification
• Standards for your inked rubber stamp
• Requirements for attaching an official signature
• How to respond to a court order

You must score 75% or higher on the exam to pass.

Where to Take the Test

You may take the exam online through the Pearson VUE OnVUE system for your first attempt only, or in person at one of the many testing centers available throughout the state.

To secure your spot at a center, schedule an appointment well in advance and arrive at least 45 minutes early. Some facilities allow walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, but space is limited. You'll need to wait until all pre-registered applicants finish testing. Even then, admittance isn't guaranteed.

How Hard Is the Exam?

The exam is very straightforward. It's not designed to trick you but to confirm your understanding of the law. The most common mistakes people make include failing to thoroughly review the education certificate, rushing through practice questions, and forgetting key details about journal use and identification requirements.

What Happens if You Don't Pass?

You can retake the exam as many times as you need until you pass. However, keep in mind that you'll be charged an additional fee for each retake.

The online test is only administered once. You'll still have unlimited chances to retake the exam, but if you fail the online version, you'll need to complete all future attempts in person.

5. Get Ready to Take Your Oath

Shortly after passing the test, you'll receive a Notice of Appointee letter and a blank form needed to acquire the mandatory $10,000 surety bond. On March 28, 2026, the required bond amount increases to $25,000. Active bonds are still valid, but anyone appointed on or after March 28th needs a $25,000 bond.

The notice will include instructions and a deadline to appear before the Recorder of Deeds (RoD) office in your county (usually within 45 days of reception). Mail the notice and bond form to Notaries.com as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. We'll mail your bond and completed stamp to you.

Once you receive the materials, you'll have 45 days to visit your local RoD office and take your oath. After your oath is administered, the office will officially record your commission, which is valid for four years.

What to Bring

• Your Notice to Appointee
• Your completed bond and stamp
• Government-issued identification

Details to Keep in Mind

Each county has its own rules for the process. For example:

• Philadelphia County may require an appointment (as opposed to walk-ins)
• Allegheny County may request additional proof of employment
• Montgomery County charges slightly different recording fees

Always call ahead to confirm your appointment.

6. Begin Performing Notarial Duties

Once you're sworn in, you can begin working right away in any PA county. The state allows licensed notaries to work on an as-needed basis. This means you can set your own hours and earn supplemental income when you're not busy tending to other commitments.

Plus, you can grow your career in any direction you choose. If you want to expand your services beyond your hometown, an electronic notary role may be the right fit. This option is perfect for those who enjoy maximum flexibility. You can perform remote online notarization (RON) using secure audio-visual technology, allowing you to work from home or serve clients in rural areas where in-person services may be limited.

You can also boost your job prospects by becoming a loan signing agent or assisting with mortgage closings. While the state sets a fixed fee for standard services (usually $5), signing agents can bill clients separately for additional costs, including travel expenses or late-night appointments.

Regardless of the path you take, becoming a notary in Pennsylvania allows you to build new skills and expand your professional opportunities. With the right training, tools, and support, the process of earning your commission is straightforward and sets you up for long-term success.