How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania
Learn about Pennsylvania notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Pennsylvania law.
Pennsylvania requires notary applicants to complete a state-approved education course and pass an examination before commissioning. The mandatory course covers Pennsylvania notary law and practice. Notary Mentor is a supplementary study resource only and does not fulfill the state-mandated education and examination requirement.
Pennsylvania Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Pennsylvania.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 319, Pennsylvania notaries are required to maintain a chronological journal of notarial acts. Each entry must include the date and time of the act, the type of act, a description of...
Fees & Seals
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 319, the maximum fee for most notarial acts is $5.00 for traditional notarizations. For remote notarizations, the maximum is $25.00. The notary's seal must include the notary's name...
Key Topics Covered for Pennsylvania
Master these essential areas of Pennsylvania notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under the Pennsylvania Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (57 Pa.C.S. § 301 et seq.), a notary taking an acknowledgment must determine that the person appearing is the signer and...
Journals & Records
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 319, Pennsylvania notaries are required to maintain a chronological journal of notarial acts. Each entry must include the date and time of the act, the type of a...
Identity Verification
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 307, a notary must identify a signer through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence. Satisfactory evidence includes a current government-issued ID with phot...
RON Specifics
Pennsylvania enacted RON provisions under 57 Pa.C.S. § 321 et seq. Notaries must register with the Department of State as remote notaries. RON sessions require two-way audio-visual...
Prohibited Acts
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 322, Pennsylvania notaries are prohibited from: performing acts where the notary has a disqualifying interest; notarizing the notary's own signature; using the t...
Fees & Seals
Under 57 Pa.C.S. § 319, the maximum fee for most notarial acts is $5.00 for traditional notarizations. For remote notarizations, the maximum is $25.00. The notary's seal must inclu...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Pennsylvania
Mistakes that Pennsylvania notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to complete the mandatory state-approved education course and examination before applying for a commission.
Not maintaining a chronological journal in the required format or failing to retain it for ten years.
Using the term 'Notario Publico' in advertising, which carries significant civil penalties in Pennsylvania.
Performing RON without registering with the Department of State as a remote notary.
Charging fees exceeding the statutory maximum of $5.00 for traditional or $25.00 for remote notarizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Pennsylvania.
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