Become a Pennsylvania notary public with Notary Rotary, Inc.

Qualifications:

A notary public applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements for an appointment:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a resident of or be employed within the Commonwealth
• Be of good character, integrity and ability

• Must not have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a lesser offense incompatible with the duties of a notary public during the five-year period preceding the date of application [A felony conviction or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony OR a commission revocation in the Commonwealth or any other state within the five years prior to application will result in application rejection.

  The following persons are not eligible to hold the office of notary public:

• Any person holding any judicial office in the Commonwealth, except the office of Magisterial District Justice.
• A member of the U.S. Congress, and a person holding an office or appointment of profit or trust under the legislative, executive or judiciary departments of the federal government for which he or she receives a salary, fees or perquisites.
• Any member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

Term of Appointment:

The term of a Pennsylvania notary public appointment is four (4) years, unless revoked or resigned before that time.

Step 1: Complete the mandatory education requirement for commission as a Pennsylvania notary public.

Pennsylvania notaries public are required to be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the office. As a condition for initial appointment and reappointment, notaries public are required to complete a three-hour pre-approved notary public education course within six months immediately preceding application.  Please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of State website for a list of approved notary education providers. When you receive your course completion certificate make a copy to include with your application and save the original for your records.

Step 2: Download and complete the Pennsylvania notary public application.

Pennsylvania Notary Public Application

Download and complete the application according to the instructions provided.  Be sure to complete all blanks on the application, using N/A or "Not Applicable" where appropriate, an incomplete application will delay processing. Each application must be accompanied by a check or money order for $40.00, made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania". The fee is non-refundable. Please note: the Secretary of the Commonwealth is authorized to revoke the notary public commission of a notary public who issues a personal insufficient funds check to the order of any State agency or the Commonwealth subject to the right of notice, hearing and adjudication and right of appeal. When you are satisfied the application is filled out completely and correctly you should mail it and the filing fee to the following address.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of State
Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation
Division of Commissions, Legislation and Notaries
210 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

If the Department of State approves your application you will receive a notice of appointment with further instructions and an official bond and oath form to be executed by you when you receive your surety bond.

Step 3: Order your official surety bond and other supplies from Notary Rotary, Inc.

Before you may perform any notarial acts you must file a $10,000 surety bond, as well as the oath of office form, with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your business is located as listed on your application. The surety bond and any other supplies you may need may be order from Notary Rotary, Inc. Notaries public commissioned in Pennsylvania are required to use a rubber stamp seal for all notarial acts on paper. Notaries may use an embosser in addition to the rubber stamp seal; however the embosser is optional.  Pennsylvania law also requires every Pennsylvania notary public to maintain a sequential record of all notarial acts; the Modern Journal of Notarial Events, from Notary Rotary, Inc., contains all the elements necessary and was designed specifically with the notary in mind.

Please visit the Notary Rotary online store by using the following link: Pennsylvania Notary Supplies.  

Choose Pennsylvania from the menu, and enter the store to purchase your $10,000 surety bond, Pennsylvania notary stamp, modern journal of notarial events, and any other supplies you may need. To order, enter the required information, scroll down through the page to locate and select the desired products, and follow the instructions through checkout. Your order will be manufactured and shipped as soon as it can be processed. Orders usually ship within one to two days.

Step 4: File with the county Recorder of Deeds and the Prothonotary.

When you receive your supplies from Notary Rotary, Inc. you should inspect them to be certain the information is correct. You will then need to record the commission, executed bond and oath form in the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your office is located.  You will then need to register your official signature with the Prothonotary of the county wherein your business is located.  You may be charged a fee of $.50 for the registration of your signature.  You must sign your name exactly and only as it appears on your commission.

This must be completed within FORTY- FIVE (45) DAYS after the date of appointment or the commission becomes null and void. Extensions will not be given.