Whether you’re looking to add a professional credential to your resume in Philadelphia, offer mobile notary services in the Pittsburgh area, or simply help your local community in rural central PA, becoming a notary public in Pennsylvania is a solid move. The Keystone State has a structured process that’s straightforward once you understand the steps. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from meeting eligibility requirements to performing your very first notarization, using current information from the Pennsylvania Department of State and the National Notary Association.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania keeps the baseline qualifications relatively simple, but you’ll want to make sure you tick every box before investing time and money into the process. To qualify as a notary public in Pennsylvania, you must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
That last point is worth paying attention to. If you have a felony conviction on your record, you’re not automatically disqualified — but you do need to have received an official pardon. If that situation applies to you, it’s a good idea to contact the Department of State directly to discuss your specific circumstances before proceeding.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the application process, it helps to have everything lined up. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Completion of a state-approved notary education course
- A passing score on the Pennsylvania notary exam
- The $60 filing fee
The education course and exam are two separate steps, so don’t assume completing the course means you’re done studying. Pennsylvania takes notary knowledge seriously, and for good reason — notaries play a critical role in preventing fraud.
Step 1: Complete Required Education
Pennsylvania requires completion of a state-approved notary education course before you can apply. The course covers notary laws, proper procedures, and the specific responsibilities of notaries in Pennsylvania.
This isn’t something you can breeze through in an hour over lunch. The course is designed to give you a real working knowledge of Pennsylvania’s notary statutes, so you’ll understand exactly what you can and cannot do. You’ll learn about acceptable forms of identification, how to handle different types of notarial acts, and the record-keeping practices that keep you protected. Budget a few hours for this, and take notes — you’ll need them for the exam.
Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam
Pennsylvania requires passing a notary examination that covers state notary laws, notarial acts, proper identification procedures, and best practices.
The exam tests the material covered in your education course, so reviewing your notes and any provided study materials is time well spent. If you’ve paid close attention during the course, you should be in good shape, but don’t take it lightly. A failing score means you’ll need to retake the exam before you can move forward with your application.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Once you’ve passed the exam, it’s time to submit your notary application to the Pennsylvania Department of State. You’ll need to provide your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence.
Double-check every detail before hitting submit. Errors on your application — especially your name or address — can cause delays or require you to start over. Use the exact name that appears on your government-issued ID, since that’s what you’ll be using to verify your identity when notarizing documents.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate.
Your commission is valid for four years.
That four-year window goes faster than you’d expect, so make a note of your expiration date as soon as you receive your commission. Many new notaries get caught off guard when their commission lapses because they simply forgot. Set a calendar reminder for at least two months before expiration so you have time to start the reappointment process.
Step 5: Get Your Notary Supplies
- A Pennsylvania notary stamp — must meet state requirements.
- A notary record book (journal) — while not mandated by state law, keeping one is strongly recommended
Your notary stamp is non-negotiable. It must meet Pennsylvania’s specific format requirements, so don’t just buy the cheapest option you find online. Using a stamp that doesn’t comply with state regulations can render your notarizations invalid, which is a headache nobody wants.
As for the journal — Pennsylvania is one of the states that doesn’t legally require you to keep one, but here’s the thing: not having a journal is a risk. If a notarization you performed is ever questioned, a well-maintained journal is your best defense. It creates a paper trail showing who you notarized, when, and what type of notarial act was performed. For the relatively small cost of a journal, the protection it offers is enormous.
Browse Notary StampsStep 6: File Your Oath of Office
Before receiving your commission, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office. This step is mandatory.
Do not skip this step, and don’t put it off. You cannot legally perform any notarial acts until your oath is properly filed. Many new notaries get excited when their commission arrives and start notarizing right away — only to realize later that they never filed their oath. That can mean your commission becomes void, and you’d have to start the process over. Head to your county recorder’s office as soon as you receive your commission and get this taken care of.
Common Mistakes New Pennsylvania Notaries Make
- Not filing the oath before performing acts — your commission may become void
- Using an incorrect stamp format — your stamp must meet Pennsylvania’s state requirements exactly
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment can take weeks
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — grounds for revocation
That fourth mistake deserves special emphasis. Even though Pennsylvania authorizes remote online notarization (RON), that’s a separate process with its own technology and registration requirements. For traditional notarizations, the signer must be standing right in front of you. No exceptions, no workarounds. Physical presence is one of the most fundamental rules of notarization, and violating it is one of the fastest ways to lose your commission.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Application fee: $60
- Notary stamp: $15-30
- Notary journal: $15-25
Total estimated cost: $15-$60
Keep in mind that the education course and exam may have separate costs depending on the provider you choose. Those fees vary, so shop around and factor them into your total budget. Also worth considering: errors and omissions insurance, which isn’t required by Pennsylvania law but is strongly recommended to protect yourself financially if a claim ever arises against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Pennsylvania?
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application to having your supplies and filed oath. That timeline can vary depending on how quickly the Department of State processes your application and how soon you can get to your county office to file your oath.
Is there an exam?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires passing a notary examination. It’s not just a formality — the exam tests your understanding of state notary laws, identification requirements, and proper procedures.
Can I perform remote notarizations?
Yes, Pennsylvania authorizes remote online notarization (RON). However, you’ll need to meet specific technology requirements and follow the state’s RON procedures, which are separate from traditional in-person notarizations.
Do I need errors & omissions insurance?
Not required by Pennsylvania law, but strongly recommended to protect yourself financially. Without it, you’d be paying out of pocket to defend against any claims, even unfounded ones.
How do I renew my commission?
Begin the reappointment process before your current commission expires. The process is similar to the initial application, including education, the exam, and the filing fee. Don’t wait until the last minute — if your commission expires before your reappointment is processed, there may be a gap where you can’t notarize.
Can a Pennsylvania notary charge fees?
Yes, up to $5 per notarization. This is the maximum fee set by the state, so you cannot charge more than that for standard notarial acts.
State-Specific Notes
- Remote notarization: Pennsylvania allows remote online notarization (RON) under state law.
- Journal not required: Pennsylvania does not mandate a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for your own protection.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Pennsylvania earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Pennsylvania supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Pennsylvania notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
