Pennsylvania Notary Exam Guide 2026
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Exam in a week or two? Here is what Pennsylvania Department of State materials say about the Pennsylvania notary exam and commission, plus the free 20-question practice test so you can see where you stand.
Pennsylvania notary exam at a glance
| Who gives it | Pearson VUE, for the Department of State |
|---|---|
| Format | 30 multiple-choice items (25 scored) |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 75 |
| Exam fee | $65 per attempt |
| Retakes | At most once per 24 hours, within the 6-month authorization window |
| Result validity | 1 year |
| Who must take it | First-time applicants, and anyone whose previous commission has expired |
Fee changes are pending under proposed rulemaking 16-66; check the PA DOS fee page before relying on the amounts.
Pennsylvania notary exam myths, checked against the rule text
Printable PDF: 25 more practice questions with answer key and sources
How to become a notary in Pennsylvania
- Be 18+, a US citizen or permanent resident, and live or work in Pennsylvania.
- Complete 3 hours of approved notary education within the 6 months before applying.
- Pass the Pearson VUE exam (first-time applicants and expired commissions).
- Apply online ($42).
- Within 45 days of appointment, take the oath, record your $25,000 bond, oath and commission with the county recorder of deeds, and register your signature.
Every Pennsylvania requirement and step, quoted from the official source
Pennsylvania notary fees
| Exam | $65 |
|---|---|
| Commission application (4 years) | $42 |
| Bond | $25,000 (since March 28, 2026) |
| Acknowledgment | $5 for the first signer + $2 for each additional |
| Oath, verification, witnessing, certified copy | $5 each |
| Electronic/remote notarization | An extra $20 |
Full Pennsylvania notary fee schedule: what a notary can charge, with the statute text
Renewing a Pennsylvania commission: when to apply and what happens if it lapses
Pennsylvania notary stamp and seal rules: what it must show, size and ink, and who owns it
Study plan if your Pennsylvania exam is in 7 or 14 days
Built only from facts already listed on this page and in RULONA (57 Pa.C.S.) and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167. No pass-rate claims.
If your exam is in about 7 days
- Re-read RULONA (57 Pa.C.S.) and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167 (or the sections covering the topics you missed).
- Take the free practice test on this site and note weak topics.
- Review the official facts: Format: 30 multiple-choice items (25 scored); Time limit: 60 minutes; Passing score: Scaled score of 75; Exam fee: $65 per attempt; Who gives it: Pearson VUE, for the Department of State; Who must take it: First-time applicants, and anyone whose previous commission has expired.
- Confirm you have finished any required prep step: Complete 3 hours of approved notary education within the 6 months before applying.
If your exam is in about 14 days
- Spread handbook study over several sittings: RULONA (57 Pa.C.S.) and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167.
- Work through the free practice test more than once, focusing on missed topics.
- Check remaining application or exam-registration steps with Pennsylvania Department of State.
- Pass the Pearson VUE exam (first-time applicants and expired commissions).
- Within 45 days of appointment, take the oath, record your $25,000 bond, oath and commission with the county recorder of deeds, and register your signature.
Practice for the Pennsylvania exam
Free sample: 20 questions with explanations and source quotes (not a full-length timed exam). Want more? Unlock the full bank of 158.
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Ready for a full sitting? Take the free 30-question timed practice exam (60 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania notary exam?
30 multiple-choice items (25 scored) in 60 minutes, given by Pearson VUE.
What is the passing score?
A scaled score of 75.
How much is the Pennsylvania notary bond?
$25,000 under 4 Pa. Code 167.16, effective March 28, 2026.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. These are original practice questions written from RULONA, 4 Pa. Code Chapter 167 and Department of State guidance. They are not actual exam questions.
Next steps after you pass
Bond, seal, journal and other things to set up once you are commissioned: after you’re commissioned in Pennsylvania.
Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state agency, exam vendor or course provider. All questions are original practice questions written from official public sources; they are not actual exam questions. Laws and fees change, so confirm details with the official source before you rely on them. Official sources: PA DOS: Notaries, PA DOS: Examination requirement, PA DOS: Bonding requirement.
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