How to Become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Live in Pennsylvania, or work or practice there.
• Be able to read and write English.
• Meet the state's character, criminal-conviction and prior-sanction criteria.
• Not be a member of Congress, a salaried federal officer, or a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
• Complete 3 hours of approved notary education within 6 months before applying, and pass the exam if you are a new or lapsed applicant.

Step by step

1. Complete a 3-hour approved notary education course within the 6 months before you apply.
2. Apply online at notaries.pa.gov (or by mail) with proof of education and the $42 filing fee.
3. Watch for your testing authorization email, then pass the Pearson VUE notary exam within 6 months.
4. After appointment, get a $25,000 bond.
5. Within 45 days of appointment, take your oath and record your oath, bond and commission with the county Recorder of Deeds, and register your signature.
6. Get your notary seal and journal, then start notarizing.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 3 hours of Department-approved notary education within 6 months before applying, for both first appointments and reappointments.

Exam: Computer-based exam administered by Pearson VUE ($65 per attempt), required for first-time and lapsed applicants; you must pass within 6 months of authorization.

What it costs in Pennsylvania

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

The Department of State says applications generally take 2 to 4 weeks to process; after approval you get exam instructions by email and have 6 months to pass.

What other sites get wrong about Pennsylvania

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Before your commission expires, take a new 3-hour course and reapply with the $42 fee; applying before expiration avoids retaking the exam.

Remote online notarization: Yes — a commissioned notary may perform electronic and remote notarizations after Department approval, using Department-approved technology.

Good to know in Pennsylvania

2026 rule changes and exam: Under regulations effective March 28, 2026, notaries appointed or reappointed on or after that date must use a stamp that includes their 7-digit commission ID number. First-time applicants get one chance to take the Pearson VUE exam online from home or office; any retake must be at a Pearson VUE test center.

What you can charge: Under 4 Pa. Code § 167.3, the maximum is $5 for an acknowledgment (plus $2 per additional name), $5 per oath, verification, signature witnessed or certified copy, and $3 per page for a protest; electronic and remote notaries may add up to $20 per act. Fees must be listed on an itemized receipt, and no fee may be charged for absentee-ballot affidavits.

Sources

• PA DOS — Notaries
• PA — Apply to Be a Notary
• PA DOS — Mandatory Education Requirement
• PA DOS — Examination Requirement
• PA DOS — Bonding Requirement
• PA DOS — Recorder of Deeds Registration
• PA DOS - Notary Regulations Changes
• PA DOS - Notary Public Fees