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
• Has not had a prior notary public commission revoked by the Commonwealth or any other state during the five year period preceding the date of application

 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.  There is no limit to the number of consecutive terms that may be served.

Allow four to six weeks to process new Notary Public applications.

Step 1: Complete the mandatory education requirement

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 preapproved notary public education course within six months immediately preceding application. 

An approved notary education course may be comprised of either interactive or classroom instruction and must contain a core curriculum covering the duties and responsibilities of the notary office and electronic notarization. Courses preapproved by the Secretary are designated as approved for initial appointment or approved for reappointment. All courses approved for initial appointment may be used to satisfy the education requirement for reappointment, in addition to the courses approved solely for reappointment. Courses approved for reappointment are more advanced in content and are designed to be relevant for the notary who has already completed the basic education course and has encountered more complicated documents and advanced notary issues in the course of a previous commission.

Save money and time by going to Notary.net and purchase a Pennsylvania notary training supply package.  You can also take the 5-star rated Pennsylvania state-approved notary course without purchasing supplies.

When you complete the course, download your PDF Certificate of Completion so you will have it for the online application.

Step 2: Submit the Pennsylvania notary public application online.

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website to begin the online process.

https://www.notaryreg.pa.gov/Pages/OnlineApplication.aspx

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

Within 45 days after the date of his/her appointment, a notary public is required to execute and file a $10,000 surety bond and Oath of Office, both available from Notary Rotary's online store.  You can also order your Pennslvania Notary Bond at the Notary.net store.

Notaries public commissioned in Pennsylvania are required to use a notary 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 order your Pennsylvania Notary Supplies at the Notary Rotary online store.  Enter the store to purchase your $10,000 surety bond and Oath of Office, 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, usually within 2-3 days.

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

Before you may perform any notarial acts you must file the surety bond and Oath of Office form, with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your business is located as listed on your application.  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.

You will also need to register your official signature with the Prothonotary of the county wherein your business is located.  You may be charged a small fee for the registration of your signature.  You must sign your name exactly and only as it appears on your commission.

Once these requirements are met, the Recorder of Deeds will issue the commission and wallet card to you and you will be ready to act as a commissioned notary public for the State of Pennsylvania.