Pennsylvania Notary Application (2026): What to Have Ready, What to Submit, and What Happens Next
In Pennsylvania you apply online (fastest) or by mail with proof of your 3-hour course from the last 6 months, an email address, and the $42 filing fee. After DOS reviews the application you get Pearson VUE exam instructions by email. Once appointed, you have 45 days to get a $25,000 bond, take the oath, and record everything with the county recorder of deeds.
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Every point below quotes the official source word for word; the build checks each quote against a saved copy of the source and stops if one is missing. Laws change, so confirm with the official source.
Before you start the Pennsylvania application
| Course proof | 3 hours, within the previous 6 months |
|---|---|
| Email address | For testing and appointment notices |
| Your name | Full first and last name; no nicknames |
Course proof
3 hours, within the previous 6 months.
“Proof of your 3 hours of mandatory notary education through an approved education provider within the previous 6 months”
Email address
For testing and appointment notices.
“A current email address to receive testing and appointment information”
Your name
Full first and last name; no nicknames.
“Applicants must use their full first and last name (full middle name or middle initial is optional) or first initial, full middle and last name on the application.”
Source: PA Department of State: Application Information
“Neither initials alone nor a nickname will be accepted.”
What to submit with the Pennsylvania application
| Online | Fastest; upload everything in one session |
|---|---|
| By mail | Paper application, fee and course proof |
| Fee | $42 check to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
| Signature | Print your name next to it if it isn't legible |
| What becomes public | Your employer or business address and phone |
Online
Fastest; upload everything in one session.
“For the fastest service, we recommend you submit your initial application or your renewal application through our online system.”
Source: PA Department of State: Apply to be a Notary
“You'll be required to upload all required information and documentation in one session.”
By mail
Paper application, fee and course proof.
“Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documentation, you can mail it to: Pennsylvania Department of State, Office of Notaries, Commissions & Legislation, North Office Building, 401 North Street, Room 201, Harrisburg, PA 17120”
Fee
$42 check to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“Include a check in the amount of $42.00 made payable to the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."”
Source: PA Department of State: Application Information
“Please do not staple your check or money order to the application.”
Signature
Print your name next to it if it isn't legible.
“If your signature is not clearly legible, you must print your name, as you intend to be commissioned, immediately adjacent to your signature on the application and on every document you notarize.”
What becomes public
Your employer or business address and phone.
“The applicant's employer/business address and telephone number as provided on the application is public information.”
After you apply in Pennsylvania
| Exam | Pearson VUE details by email after review |
|---|---|
| Appointment | Commission goes to your county recorder of deeds |
| Within 45 days | $25,000 bond, signature, oath, recording |
| Missed the 45 days | Commission is void; start over |
| Status | Check it online |
Exam
Pearson VUE details by email after review.
“Applicants who are required to take the examination will be provided with information via email on Pearson VUE’s testing procedures and sites, after their application has been reviewed by the Department. Examination results will be electronically reported to the Department by Pearson VUE.”
Appointment
Commission goes to your county recorder of deeds.
“Once the Department of State determines that the notary public applicant has fulfilled the requirements set forth in RULONA, the applicant will be notified of his/her appointment. The notary's commission is sent to the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary public will maintain an office.”
Within 45 days
$25,000 bond, signature, oath, recording.
“Within 45 days after his/her appointment, the appointee is required to execute a $25,000 bond, register his/her signature with the prothonotary or recorder of deeds of the county where the office is located, take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office, and record the bond, commission and oath of office in the recorder of deeds office.”
Missed the 45 days
Commission is void; start over.
“If all of these requirements are not met within the 45-day period, the commission becomes null and void and the application process must begin again.”
Status
Check it online.
“To check on the status of your recently submitted application, please use our online system.”
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before I apply for a Pennsylvania notary commission?
Course proof: 3 hours, within the previous 6 months; Email address: For testing and appointment notices; Your name: Full first and last name; no nicknames. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What do I submit with a Pennsylvania notary application, and what does it cost?
Online: Fastest; upload everything in one session; By mail: Paper application, fee and course proof; Fee: $42 check to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Signature: Print your name next to it if it isn't legible; What becomes public: Your employer or business address and phone. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What happens after I submit my Pennsylvania notary application?
Exam: Pearson VUE details by email after review; Appointment: Commission goes to your county recorder of deeds; Within 45 days: $25,000 bond, signature, oath, recording; Missed the 45 days: Commission is void; start over; Status: Check it online. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Related: Pennsylvania exam guide · Pennsylvania Notary Fees · How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Notary Renewal · Pennsylvania Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements · Pennsylvania exam facts: passing score, cost, retakes · After you’re commissioned in Pennsylvania
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