Pennsylvania Notary | NOTARYBONDING – Notary Assoc. of PA Co.

State of Pennsylvania Notary Requirements

Click Here for simple step by step directions on how to obtain our complete service as a new or renewal notary in Pennsylvania

Click Here for simple step by step directions on how to electronically file as a new or renewal notary in Pennsylvania

Eligibility

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be able to read and write English.
Citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
Non-Resident is OK if employed in Pennsylvania with a physical business address (no PO Box).
Have completed at least 3 hours of approved notary education within the six months immediately preceding application (applicable to all notary public applicants - those seeking an initial commission, and those seeking reappointment). Must have passed the examination required for applicants seeking an initial commission, or reappointment following lapse of the existing commission. We are an approved notary education interactive online course provider as well as a course quiz provider. Our education course and course quiz is included at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
Have the honesty, integrity, competence and reliability to act as a Notary Public; conviction of or acceptance of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for a felony or lesser offense involving fraud, deceit or dishonesty will be reviewed by the Depertment; a finding against or admission of liability in a legal proceeding or Notary disciplinary action in any state will also be reviewed by the Department

Provisions:

Notary Term
4 years.
Notary Bond
Required. A $10,000 bond for new or renewing notaries.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Optional. Notary Association of Pennsylvania Co. strongly recommends that Pennsylvania notaries insure themselves against claims of negligence.
Notary Stamp/Notary Seal
Required. A rubber stamp seal.
Notary Public Recording Journal
Required. Every notary public must maintain a journal and record, in chronological order, all of his or her notarial acts. A notary public may also maintain a separate journal for tangible records and for electronic records.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Fee
A $42.00 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania state application fee is required for new and renewal notary applications.
Education/Testing
Required. As a condition for initial appointment and reappointment, notaries public are required to complete a three-hour, preapproved notary public education course within the six months immediately preceding the application for appointment or reappointment. All notaries seeking reappointment have the option of more varied continuing education courses.
Jurisdiction
Statewide.
Non-Residents
Permitted. Non-resident applicants must be employed or have a practice within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Non-resident notaries must maintain an actual physical business address in Pennsylvania rather than merely a Post Office Box in the Commonwealth. Non-resident notaries public must appoint the Secretary of the Commonwealth as the agent upon whom may be served any summons, subpoena, order, or other process.
Notary Commission Renewal
A notary public must file for reappointment at least two or three months prior to the expiration date of his or her commission. Notaries seeking reappointment must continue to meet the requirements that initial applicants must meet, including the completion of the approved three-hour course.
Pursuant to Act 119 of 2014
Senatorial endorsement of notary applications will no longer be required effective January 05, 2015.
State of Pennsylvania Change Name
http://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/Update-Information-.aspx#name
State of Pennsylvania Change Address
http://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/Update-Information-.aspx#address
State of Pennsylvania Change of Eligibility Status
http://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/Update-Information-.aspx#resign
State of Pennsylvania Notary Website
http://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/Pages/default.aspx#.VSZ6KvDD-KU
State of Pennsylvania Phone Number
1-717-787-5280
State of Pennsylvania Mailing Address
PA Department of State, 201 North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120

Become a New or Renewal Notary in Pennsylvania

Step 1

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in Pennsylvania

Step 1

Order online the Pennsylvania new or renewal (electronically file) notary bond package, study notary education interactive course, and start notary course quiz. We are a state approved notary education interactive course and course quiz provider.

(Electronically File) Notary Bond Package Online

Study Notary Education Interactive Course (PDF)

Start Notary Course Quiz - All new appointment and reappointment notaries must complete the mandatory notary course quiz to obtain your certificate of completion. Did you forget your password to log-in to the notary course quiz? Instructions - Reset Password (PDF)

Step 2

Once you have passed the notary course quiz you will be provided with an certificate of completion that you must mail to us for instructor signature. Once signed by our instructor we will email it back to you as soon as possible.

Scan & Email: pa@notarybonding.com

Fax: 800-637-5992

Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania Co.
P.O. Box 61563
Harrisburg, PA 17106

Expedited Corporate Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania, Co.
550 Hulet Drive, Suite 105
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Step 3

Once you have the instructor signed certificate of completion electronically file your notary application online with the state. Once you receive your notary bond and letter proceed to the next step.

When completing the online notary application ALL boxes to the left of the question should ONLY be checked if the answer is YES. If you check the box for any of the legal questions (Criminal History, Resigned or Suspended Notary Commission, Other Professional Occupational License or Legal Proceedings) you will be REQUIRED to send supporting documents to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Any specific questions please contact the Commissions Office at 717-787-5280. When the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approves your notary application they will mail you a letter along with your original $10,000 notary public bond.

Online Notary Application to Electronically File

Step 4

If you are a NEW applicant or an applicant who has a LAPSED/EXPIRED notary commission you will get an email directly from Pearson VUE. Follow the emailed instructions to complete your mandatory examination. Please do not delay!

NOTE: This step ONLY applies to new applicants or applicants who have a lapsed/expired notary commission.

All applicants for appointment and commission who do not hold a current and unexpired notary public commission at the time the application is received by the Department of State must pass an examination administered by the Department’s examination vendor, Pearson VUE.

This includes applicants who have never held notary commissions and all applicants who previously held notary commissions but whose commissions have lapsed or expired at the time their application for reappointment is received by the Department, even just for one day. The examination is based on the basic education course of study, which must cover the statutes, regulations, procedures and ethics relevant to notarial acts, with a core curriculum including the duties and responsibilities of the office of notary public and electronic notarization.

After the Department’s review and approval of their notary application, applicants who are required to take the examination will be provided with information via email on Pearson VUE’s testing procedures and sites. The examination will be a computer-based test offered at Pearson VUE test centers in nearly all Pennsylvania counties. The cost of the examination is $65 per test. Notary applicants have six months from the time they are authorized to sit for the examination to successfully pass the test. They may take it as many times as needed within the six-month period. Examination results will be electronically reported to the Department by Pearson VUE. Applicants successfully completing the examination will be appointed as notaries public by the Department. Applicants who are unable to pass the examination within six months will be required to retake the basic education course and reapply for appointment and commission to the Department.

Get Started - Pearson VUE Examination

Step 5

You must email or mail your $10,000 notary public bond to be completed/activated and your letter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania directly to us. Please do not delay!

You will have 45 calendar days to complete this process after the appointment date on your $10,000 notary public bond or the commission becomes void. Please be advised that extensions will not be given. Email or mail us your $10,000 notary public bond to be completed/activated and your letter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Scan & Email: pa@notarybonding.com

Expedited Corporate Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania, Co.
550 Hulet Drive, Suite 105
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Step 6

Once we receive your forms we will complete/activate your $10,000 notary public bond and immediately mail and order you the following:

Completed/activated $10,000 notary public bond.
Copy of the letter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Power of attorney form.
Notary errors & omissions insurance policy.
Official seal stamp and official notary journal will be ordered and mailed separately. NOTE: Please allow up to 3 business days for your stamp(s) to be personalized and manufactured. Once complete the stamp(s) will be mailed directly to you.

Step 7

In person file your completed/activated $10,000 notary bond and power of attorney form with the Recorder of Deeds Office and register your official signature with the Prothonotary Office. Please do not delay!

In person file your completed/activated $10,000 notary public bond and power of attorney form with the Recorder of Deeds Office in person in the county where your business is located on your notary public application. If no employer is listed on your notary public application you must file in person in the county where you reside.

You must file by the date given on the Notice to Appointee letter.

You will receive your commission certificate from the Recorder of Deeds Office upon completing this process. Keep the commission certificate for your records.

Once you are successfully filed, registered, and have received your official seal stamp you will be authorized to begin your duties as a notary public.

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Mail-In Service in Pennsylvania

Step 1

Complete the Pennsylvania new or renewal (mail-in service) notary bond package order form, notary application, notary education interactive course, and course quiz.

New or Renewal (Mail-In Service) Notary Bond Package Order Form (PDF)

New or Renewal Notary Application (PDF)

Study Notary Education Interactive Course (PDF)

Start Notary Course Quiz - All new appointment and reappointment notaries must complete the mandatory notary course quiz to obtain your certificate of completion. Once you have passed the notary course quiz you will be provided with an certificate of completion that you must print and provide a copy to us for instructor signature. Did you forget your password to log-in to the notary course quiz? Instructions - Reset Password (PDF)

Step 2

You must mail the listed completed documents so that we can process your order.

Completed order form.
Completed signed "original" notary application - The state will NOT accept a fax or emailed notary application.
Copy of your certificate of completion.

NOTE: Do not include payment for the $42.00 filing fee. We will pay and submit the filing fee directly to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania notary division for you. Thank you.

Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania Co.
P.O. Box 61563
Harrisburg, PA 17106

Expedited Corporate Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania, Co.
550 Hulet Drive, Suite 105
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Step 3

Do you have to take the Pearson VUE examination?

CURRENTLY commissioned applicants you "DO NOT" have to take the Pearson VUE exam.

We will FedEx your signed notary application, certificate of completion, and the $42.00 filing fee directly to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and they will then email you a letter along with your original $10,000 blank notary public bond.

NEW applicants or applicants who have a LAPSED/EXPIRED notary commission you "MUST" take the Pearson VUE exam.

Get Started - Pearson VUE Examination

We will FedEx your signed notary application, certificate of completion, and the $42.00 filing fee directly to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Once you have passed your Pearson VUE exam the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will then email you a letter along with your original $10,000 blank notary public bond.

Step 4

Once you receive your email from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania you must send us your letter and the $10,000 blank notary public bond to be completed/activated. Please do not delay!

Scan & Email: pa@notarybonding.com

Expedited Corporate Mail To:
Notary Association of Pennsylvania, Co.
550 Hulet Drive, Suite 105
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Step 5

Once we receive your forms we will complete/activate your $10,000 notary public bond and immediately mail and order you the following:

Completed/activated $10,000 notary public bond.
Copy of the letter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Power of attorney form.
Notary errors & omissions insurance policy.
Official seal stamp and official notary journal will be ordered and mailed separately. NOTE: Please allow up to 3 business days for your stamp(s) to be personalized and manufactured. Once complete the stamp(s) will be mailed directly to you.

Step 6

You must file by the date given on the Notice to Appointee letter.

You will receive your commission certificate from the Recorder of Deeds Office upon completing this process. Keep the commission certificate for your records.

Once you are successfully filed, registered, and have received your official seal stamp you will be authorized to begin your duties as a notary public.

For a Recently Appointed Notary in Pennsylvania

Step 1

Pennsylvania Notary Packages and Supplies

Click Here for step by step directions on how to obtain mail-in service as a new appointment or reappointment notary in Pennsylvania

Click Here for step by step directions on how to electronically file as a new appointment or reappointment notary in Pennsylvania

State of Pennsylvania Notary Requirements

Become a New or Renewal Notary in Pennsylvania

Become a New or Renewal Notary Electronically in Pennsylvania

Become a New or Renewal Notary using our Mail-In Service in Pennsylvania

For a Recently Appointed Notary in Pennsylvania

Order your notary package by mail

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