What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania
To become a notary in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Pennsylvania, and able to read and write English. You then take a written exam administered by the Department of State, pay a fee, and submit an process with your exam results. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from exam to commission.
Pennsylvania does not require you to take a preparatory course before the exam, though many notaries do. You can study using free materials from the Department of State or purchase study guides from private vendors. The exam itself covers Pennsylvania notary law, your duties and limitations, and how to handle common notarial acts like acknowledgments and jurats.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, a Pennsylvania resident, and able to read and write English to sit for the notary exam.
- The Department of State administers the written exam; you do not need to complete a course first, though study materials are available.
- After passing the exam, you submit your results along with an process and fee to the Department of State to receive your commission.
- Your commission lasts four years and can be renewed by passing the exam again and paying the renewal fee.
- Once commissioned, you can perform notarial acts like witnessing signatures and administering oaths, but you cannot provide legal information.
Who Can Take the Notary Exam in Pennsylvania
You must meet three basic requirements to sit for the exam. First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania—the Department of State defines this as living in the state, though the exact length of residency required is not specified in statute. Third, you must be able to read and write English at a level sufficient to perform notarial duties.
Pennsylvania does not require you to be a U.S. citizen or to have any prior work experience. You do not need to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary. Self-employed people, employees, and retirees all sit for the exam and receive commissions.
If you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, you may be disqualified. The Department of State reviews your background as part of the process process. If you are unsure whether a past conviction affects your may be able to access, contact the Department of State directly before paying the exam fee.
How to Study for and Take the Exam
The Department of State publishes a free study guide called the Notary Public Handbook, available on its website. This handbook covers the duties of a notary, the types of notarial acts you can perform, record-keeping requirements, and common mistakes to avoid. Many notaries study this guide alone and pass the exam on their first attempt.
Private vendors also sell notary study guides and practice exams. These are optional but can be helpful if you prefer structured lessons or want to practice test questions before the real exam. Prices vary, typically ranging from $15 to $50.
The exam itself is a written test administered at locations throughout Pennsylvania. You schedule your exam through the Department of State's website or by calling their office. The exam covers Pennsylvania notary law, your powers and restrictions, how to complete acknowledgments and jurats, and record-keeping rules. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after paying the fee again.
Submitting Your process and Receiving Your Commission
After you pass the exam, you submit an process to the Department of State along with your exam results and the commission fee. The current fee is $50 for a four-year commission, though you should verify the current amount on the Department of State website before sending payment. You also provide your name, address, and date of birth.
The Department of State processes applications in the order they are received. Approval typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, you receive a physical commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your official proof that you are a notary and is often required by employers or clients.
You do not need to take an oath of office in front of a judge or official. Your commission becomes effective on the date the Department of State approves your process, not on the date you receive the certificate in the mail.
What You Can and Cannot Do as a Pennsylvania Notary
As a notary, you can perform several notarial acts. An acknowledgment is the most common: you witness a person sign a document and certify that they signed it willingly and that their identity matches their ID. A jurat is similar but includes administering an oath or affirmation that the signer swears the contents are true. You can also witness the signing of documents, certify copies of certain public records, and administer oaths for depositions or affidavits.
You cannot provide legal information, draft legal documents, or tell someone what notarial act they need. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it or if the signer is your spouse, parent, or child. You cannot notarize a signature if the signer is not present in front of you, and you cannot notarize a blank document or one that has been altered after signing.
Keep a notary journal or record book. Pennsylvania law requires you to record each notarial act you perform, including the date, the type of act, the signer's name and ID number, the document title, and your fee. This record protects you if a document is later disputed and helps you remember details if you are called to testify.
Renewing Your Commission and Maintaining Your Status
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date it is issued. To renew, you must pass the exam again and pay the renewal fee. You cannot renew by mail or online; you must sit for a new exam. The renewal process is the same as the initial process: study, take the exam, submit your process and fee.
If your commission expires before you renew, you are no longer a notary and cannot perform notarial acts. If you need to perform a notarial act after your commission expires but before you receive your new one, you cannot do so legally. Plan ahead and take the renewal exam at least a few weeks before your current commission expires.
If you move out of Pennsylvania, your commission becomes invalid. If you move back to Pennsylvania later, you must explore for a new commission. If you change your name, notify the Department of State so your commission certificate reflects your current legal name.
Costs and Timeline for Becoming a Notary
The exam fee is $35, and the commission fee is $50, for a total of $85 to become a notary for the first time. If you purchase a study guide from a private vendor, add $15 to $50 to that cost. You will also need to purchase a notary journal or record book, which typically costs $10 to $30 depending on the size and format.
The timeline from start to commission usually takes four to six weeks. You can schedule the exam within a few days of deciding to take it. After you pass, the Department of State takes two to four weeks to process your process and mail your commission certificate. If you need to become a notary quickly, plan ahead and take the exam as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work for a bank or law firm to become a notary?
No. You can become a notary whether you are self-employed, retired, or working in any field. Some employers require their employees to become notaries as part of the job, but you do not need an employer to sit for the exam or receive a commission.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam as many times as you need. Each time you take it, you pay the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Most people pass on their first or second try if they study the Department of State handbook.
Can I notarize documents for family members?
No. Pennsylvania law prohibits you from notarizing a document if the signer is your spouse, parent, or child. You also cannot notarize if you have a financial interest in the document or the transaction it relates to.
What should I do if someone asks me to notarize a blank document?
Refuse. You cannot notarize a blank document or one with blank spaces. The document must be complete and signed by the person in front of you. If the signer wants to fill in blanks after you notarize, that is not allowed and could expose you to liability.
How much can I charge for a notarial act?
Pennsylvania law sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You can charge less, but not more. Some notaries charge $2 or $3 per act, while others charge the full $5. You set your own fee as long as it does not exceed the legal limit.