What Pennsylvania Requires to Become a Notary

To become a notary public in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of Pennsylvania. You do not need a high school diploma or any prior experience. The state does not require you to pass an exam, but you do need to submit an process to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live, pay a fee, and take an oath of office.

Pennsylvania notaries serve four-year terms. Once your term ends, you can renew by submitting a renewal process to the same court. The process for renewal is similar to the initial process but typically costs less.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and live in Pennsylvania to become a notary.
  • Applications go to the Court of Common Pleas in your county, not to a state office.
  • Pennsylvania does not require a notary exam, but you must take an oath of office before you can work.
  • Notary commissions last four years, and renewal requires a new process to the same court.
  • The process fee varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $100 for a new commission.

Where to File Your process

You file your notary process with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you live. Each county court handles its own notary applications, so there is no single state office to contact. You can find the court's address and contact information by searching "[your county name] Court of Common Pleas" online or calling your county courthouse directly.

Some counties allow you to submit applications in person, by mail, or online through their website. Call ahead to ask which methods your county accepts and whether you need to schedule an appointment. The court staff can also tell you the exact fee for your county and what documents to bring.

Documents You Will Need

When you explore, bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of Pennsylvania residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Some counties ask for a completed process form, which you can often read from the court's website or pick up in person.

A few counties require a character reference or background check, though this is not standard statewide. Call your county court before you go to confirm what documents they need. Bringing everything at once saves you a trip back.

The Oath of Office and Commissioning

After the court approves your process, you must take an oath of office before you can legally perform notary duties. In most counties, a judge, clerk, or other court official administers the oath. Some courts schedule oath ceremonies on set dates; others do it on demand. The oath itself is brief and formal—you swear to faithfully perform your duties as a notary.

Once you have taken the oath, the court issues your notary commission. You will receive a commission certificate or letter stating your commission number, the date it begins, and the date it expires (four years from the start date). Keep this document safe—you may need to show it to employers or clients as proof of your commission.

Notary Bonds and Supplies

Pennsylvania requires notaries to obtain a notary bond, which is a form of insurance that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly. The bond amount is typically $10,000. You purchase the bond from an insurance company or bonding agency, not from the court. The cost usually ranges from $50 to $150 for a four-year term, depending on the provider.

You will also need a notary seal (also called a stamp), which you use to mark documents you notarize. You can order a seal from office supply stores, online retailers, or printing companies. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and the date your commission expires. A seal typically costs $15 to $40.

How to Renew Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission lasts four years. To continue working as a notary after your term ends, you must renew your commission before the expiration date. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you submit a form to the Court of Common Pleas in your county, pay a renewal fee, and take a new oath of office.

Start the renewal process at least two months before your commission expires. If your commission lapses, you cannot perform notary duties until you renew it. Some counties allow you to renew online or by mail, while others require an in-person visit. Contact your county court about their renewal timeline and process.

What You Can and Cannot Do as a Notary

As a Pennsylvania notary, you can witness signatures on documents, administer oaths, certify copies of documents, and take acknowledgments (confirm that a signer is who they say they are). You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or represent someone in court. If someone asks you to do any of those things, you must decline.

You also cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are related to the signer, or if the signer is not present in front of you. Pennsylvania law is strict about these rules to protect the integrity of notarized documents. Violating them can result in fines, loss of your commission, or both.

Finding Work as a Notary

Many notaries work for banks, law offices, real estate agencies, or title companies. Others work independently and advertise their services locally or online. If you want to work for an employer, you can explore to banks and law offices in your area once your commission is active. Some employers prefer to hire notaries who are already commissioned; others will commission you as part of the hiring process.

If you plan to work independently, you can advertise through online directories, local business listings, or word of mouth. Some notaries charge per signature or per document; rates vary widely depending on your location and the complexity of the work. Check what other notaries in your area charge before you set your own rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pass a test to become a notary in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania does not require a notary exam. You only need to meet the age and residency requirements, submit an process to your county court, and take an oath of office.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Pennsylvania?

The process fee to the court varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $100. You will also need to purchase a notary bond (usually $50 to $150 for four years) and a notary seal (typically $15 to $40). Total startup cost is usually between $115 and $290.

Can I become a notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you have a green card, you can become a notary. If you are in the country on a visa but do not have permanent resident status, you cannot.

How long does it take to become a notary in Pennsylvania?

The timeline depends on your county court's processing speed. Most applications are processed within two to four weeks. Once approved, you take the oath and receive your commission when ready or within a few days. Plan for the entire process to take one to two months.

What happens if my notary commission expires?

You cannot perform notary duties after your commission expires. If you want to continue working as a notary, you must renew your commission before the expiration date by submitting a renewal process to your county court.