The short version: complete a state-approved 3-hour course within six months before applying, apply online with the PA Department of State ($42), and pass the state exam through Pearson VUE ($65). Once you're appointed, you have 45 days to get a $25,000 notary bond, take your oath, and record everything with your county recorder of deeds. Application processing generally takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Who can become a notary in Pennsylvania?
According to the PA Department of State, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Live, work, or practice in Pennsylvania
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions or sanctions
- Complete at least 3 hours of approved notary education within six months before applying
- Pass the state exam, if you're applying for the first time or your previous commission has expired
Members of Congress, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and people holding certain paid federal offices can't serve as notaries.
Step-by-step: how to get your Pennsylvania notary commission
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Complete a 3-hour approved course
Take a course from a Department of State–approved education provider within the six months before you apply. You'll receive a Certificate of Completion to upload with your application.
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Apply online and pay the $42 fee
Submit your application through the Department of State's online notary system and upload your certificate. Processing generally takes 2 to 4 weeks.
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Pass the state exam
After your application is approved, you'll get an email with testing instructions from Pearson VUE, the state's exam vendor. The exam costs $65 per attempt. You have six months to pass and can retake it as many times as needed in that window. You get one attempt from home or office online; any retakes are at a Pearson VUE test center.
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Get appointed
Once you pass, the Department of State appoints you and emails your next instructions. Make sure your email settings allow messages from the Department so you don't miss them.
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Get your bond, take your oath, and record within 45 days
Within 45 days of your appointment, you must:
- Get a $25,000 notary bond from an insurance company authorized in Pennsylvania
- Take your oath of office
- Record your bond, oath, and commission with the recorder of deeds in the county where you maintain an office, and register your signature
If you miss the 45-day deadline, your commission becomes void and you'll have to reapply.
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Get your stamp and journal
Buy your notary stamp and journal. Then you're ready to notarize.
Start step 1 today
State-approved 3-hour course, practice tests included, certificate the moment you finish.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Pennsylvania?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-hour education course (Notary Class PA) | $59 |
| State application fee | $42 |
| State exam through Pearson VUE (new applicants) | $65 per attempt |
| $25,000 notary bond | Varies by insurer |
| Recording at your county recorder of deeds | Varies by county |
| Notary stamp and journal | Varies by retailer |
State fees are from the PA Department of State as of October 2026. Course prices vary by provider.
How long does it take?
The course takes about 3 hours and can be done at your own pace. The Department of State says application processing generally takes 2 to 4 weeks. After approval, you have up to six months to pass the exam, and after appointment, 45 days to complete your bond, oath, and recording.
About the $25,000 notary bond
The bond protects the people you notarize for, not you. If a customer suffers a loss because a notary didn't properly perform their duties, the insurance company can pay up to $25,000, and the notary must repay the insurer. That's why some notaries also buy optional errors and omissions insurance for their own protection. You can only notarize while a valid bond is on file.
Renewing your Pennsylvania commission
Commissions last four years. To renew, you complete the same 3-hour education requirement within six months before applying. Apply before your current commission expires: if it lapses, even by one day, you'll have to take the exam again. You'll also get a new bond and record it within 45 days of reappointment. Our course covers both new and renewing applicants for $59.
Common questions
Can I become a Pennsylvania notary if I live in another state?
Yes, if you're employed or practice in Pennsylvania. The Department of State requires notaries to reside, be employed, or practice in Pennsylvania.
How long does a Pennsylvania notary commission last?
Four years from the date it's granted.
Is a notary bond required in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Within 45 days of your appointment, you must get a $25,000 surety bond from an insurance company authorized in Pennsylvania. The bond protects the public, not you. Errors and omissions insurance, which protects the notary, is optional.
What if I don't pass the Pennsylvania notary exam?
You can retake it as many times as you need within six months of being authorized to test, at $65 per attempt. If you don't pass within six months, you'll need to retake the education course and reapply.
Do I have to take the exam again when I renew?
Not if you apply before your current commission expires. If your commission has expired, even by one day, you'll need to take the exam again.