How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania (2026): Requirements and Steps
Pennsylvania requires age 18+, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, a PA residence or workplace, English literacy, a 3-hour approved course within 6 months of applying, and a passing exam. After appointment you have 45 days to record your bond, oath and commission.
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Pennsylvania notary requirements
| Age | At least 18 |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident |
| Residence or work | Live, work or practice in PA |
| English | Read and write English |
| Education | 3 hours, within 6 months of applying |
| Exam | Pass it |
| Character | Meet the criteria |
Age
At least 18.
“Be at least 18 years old”
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
“Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal U.S. resident”
Residence or work
Live, work or practice in PA.
“Be a resident or have a place of employment or practice in Pennsylvania”
English
Read and write English.
“Be able to read and write in English”
Education
3 hours, within 6 months of applying.
“Complete at least 3 hours of mandatory notary education with an approved provider within 6 months of applying or reapplying”
Exam
Pass it.
“Successfully pass the notary examination”
Character
Meet the criteria.
“Meet all criteria related to character, criminal convictions, and prior sanctions”
Steps to become a notary in Pennsylvania
| 1. Finish a 3-hour approved course | Within 6 months before you apply |
|---|---|
| 2. Apply online and pay $42 | Online is fastest |
| 3. Take the Pearson VUE exam | After DOS reviews your application |
| 4. Record your bond, oath and commission within 45 days | At the county recorder of deeds |
1. Finish a 3-hour approved course
Within 6 months before you apply.
“There is no exemption to the mandatory education requirement.”
Source: PA Department of State: Mandatory Education Requirement
2. Apply online and pay $42
Online is fastest.
“For the fastest service, we recommend you submit your initial application or your renewal application through our online system.”
3. Take the Pearson VUE exam
After DOS reviews your application.
“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.”
Source: PA Department of State: Application Information
“30 total items (25 scored items; 5 pretest items)”
Source: Pearson VUE: Pennsylvania Notary Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (March 2026)
“The cost of the examination is $65 per test.”
4. Record your bond, oath and commission within 45 days
At the county recorder of deeds.
“The notary bond, an oath of office and the notary commission must be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds of the county in which the notary public maintains an office. This must occur within 45 days of appointment and before the notary begins notarizing.”
Renewing and keeping your commission
| Reappointment | Course again; exam only if you let it expire |
|---|
Reappointment
Course again; exam only if you let it expire.
“Only applicants who apply while their commission is active are exempt from the examination”
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to become a notary in Pennsylvania?
Age: At least 18; Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Residence or work: Live, work or practice in PA; English: Read and write English; Education: 3 hours, within 6 months of applying; Exam: Pass it; Character: Meet the criteria. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
What are the steps to become a notary in Pennsylvania?
1. Finish a 3-hour approved course: Within 6 months before you apply; 2. Apply online and pay $42: Online is fastest; 3. Take the Pearson VUE exam: After DOS reviews your application; 4. Record your bond, oath and commission within 45 days: At the county recorder of deeds. Each point is quoted from the official source on this page.
Related: Pennsylvania exam guide · Pennsylvania Notary Fees · Pennsylvania Notary Renewal · Pennsylvania Notary Application · Pennsylvania Notary Stamp and Seal Requirements · Pennsylvania exam facts: passing score, cost, retakes · After you’re commissioned in Pennsylvania
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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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