Notary Public in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a notary public in Pennsylvania
To become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania, applicants must complete a three-hour approved education course within six months prior to applying and pass a state exam administered by Pearson VUE. The application is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of State with a $42 fee. After approval, a $25,000 surety bond must be obtained, and the oath of office, bond, and commission must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds within 45 days of appointment. Pennsylvania recognizes remote online notarization and notarial acts performed in other states.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania Department of State |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 3-hour approved education course |
| Exam | Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam ($65) |
| Application fee | $42 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, reside or be employed in Pennsylvania, be able to read and write English, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions or prior notary sanctions. A $25,000 surety bond is required. The oath of office, bond, and commission must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds within 45 days of appointment. Renewing notaries are not required to retake the exam if their commission has not lapsed. Pennsylvania authorizes remote online notarization (RON) for commissioned notaries and recognizes properly performed online notarizations from other states. |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of State