---
title: "Become a Notary in Pennsylvania (2026 Guide)"
description: "Step-by-step guide on how to become a notary in Pennsylvania. Learn requirements, fees, application process, and take a free practice exam."
lang: en
json-ld: |
  [
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "HowTo",
      "name": "How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania",
      "description": "Step-by-step guide on how to become a notary in Pennsylvania. Learn requirements, fees, application process, and take a free practice exam.",
      "totalTime": "PT6W",
      "estimatedCost": {
        "@type": "MonetaryAmount",
        "currency": "USD",
        "value": "42"
      },
      "step": [
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Meet eligibility requirements",
          "text": "Confirm you are at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Pennsylvania. Review all state-specific qualifications."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Complete required education",
          "text": "Mandatory 3-hour education course; pass state exam"
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Purchase a surety bond",
          "text": "Purchase a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 from an authorized surety company."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 4,
          "name": "Pass the notary exam",
          "text": "Register for and pass the Pennsylvania notary public examination."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 5,
          "name": "Submit your application",
          "text": "Submit your completed application and the filing fee of $42 to the Pennsylvania Department of State (commission recorded with Recorder of Deeds)."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 6,
          "name": "Receive your commission and purchase supplies",
          "text": "Once approved, purchase your official notary stamp/seal and begin your commission, which is valid for 4 years."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "MobileNotaryNet",
      "alternateName": "Mobile Notary Net",
      "url": "https://mobilenotarynet.com",
      "logo": "https://mobilenotarynet.com/favicon.ico",
      "description": "America's trusted mobile notary directory connecting consumers with verified mobile notaries in all 50 states. Search by ZIP, city, or state for same-day notarization.",
      "foundingDate": "2025",
      "areaServed": {
        "@type": "Country",
        "name": "United States"
      },
      "sameAs": [
        "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobilenotarynet"
      ],
      "contactPoint": {
        "@type": "ContactPoint",
        "email": "info@MobileNotaryNet.com",
        "contactType": "customer service",
        "areaServed": "US",
        "availableLanguage": [
          "English",
          "Spanish"
        ]
      },
      "knowsAbout": [
        "Mobile Notary",
        "Notary Public",
        "Notary Signing Agent",
        "Remote Online Notarization",
        "Loan Signing",
        "Apostille"
      ]
    }
  ]
---

[Skip to main content](#main-content)

[![MobileNotaryNet icon](/assets/icon-mark-drjyu7BB.png)

MobileNotary Net Notary Directory 

](/)

[Find a Notary](/search)

For Notaries

For Companies

[🇺🇸 US](/ "United States")[🇨🇦 CA](/canada "Canada")

[Get Listed](/join)[Login](/login)

1.  [Home](/)
2.  [Education](/education)
3.  Pennsylvania 

# How to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Start Your Mobile Notary Profile Today

Get verified and begin receiving clients in Pennsylvania.

[Create Your Profile](/join)

## Requirements to Become a Notary in Pennsylvania

Becoming a notary public in Pennsylvania requires meeting several key qualifications set by the state. Here is a detailed overview of what you need:

-   **Minimum age:** 18 years old
-   **Residency:** Must be a legal resident of Pennsylvania
-   **Surety bond:** Required — $10,000
-   **Education:** Mandatory 3-hour education course; pass state exam
-   **State exam:** Required

Pennsylvania notaries serve an essential role in preventing fraud by verifying the identity of individuals signing important documents. Whether you plan to work as a mobile notary, a signing agent for loan documents, or simply add notary services to your current role, understanding these requirements is the critical first step.

## Pennsylvania Notary Application Process

The application process in Pennsylvania involves submitting your application through the Pennsylvania Department of State (commission recorded with Recorder of Deeds). Here is a step-by-step overview:

1.  Verify you meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
2.  Complete the required education: Mandatory 3-hour education course; pass state exam.
3.  Purchase a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 from an authorized surety company.
4.  Register for and pass the Pennsylvania notary public examination.
5.  Submit your completed application and the filing fee of $42 to the Pennsylvania Department of State (commission recorded with Recorder of Deeds).
6.  Once approved, purchase your official notary stamp/seal and begin your commission.

Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their commission within 4 to 8 weeks of submitting a complete application.

## Pennsylvania Notary Fees

Pennsylvania sets maximum fees that notaries may charge for their services. Here are the current fee guidelines:

Acknowledgment

$5 per act, $2 for each additional name

Jurat

$5 (regardless of number of signatures)

Travel Fee

Notary may charge travel fees per state guidelines

Mobile notaries in Pennsylvania often charge additional travel fees on top of the per-signature fee. These travel fees are negotiable and vary based on distance, time of day, and urgency. Many successful mobile notaries in Pennsylvania earn between $75 and $200 per signing appointment.

### Create Your Mobile Notary Profile in Pennsylvania

Get verified and start receiving clients through MobileNotaryNet's trusted directory.

[Get Started](/join)[View Pricing](/pricing)

## Commission Length in Pennsylvania

A notary public commission in Pennsylvania is valid for **4 years**. It is important to track your expiration date and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid any lapse in your commission.

An expired commission means you cannot legally perform notarizations. Any notarial acts performed after your commission expires are invalid and could expose you to legal liability.

## How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Notary Commission

Complete 3-hour education course, pass exam, obtain new $10,000 bond, and submit renewal application.

We recommend starting the renewal process at least 60 days before your commission expires. This ensures there is no gap in your ability to perform notarial services. If your commission lapses, you may need to go through the full application process again.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

New and experienced notaries alike can fall into common pitfalls. Here are the top mistakes Pennsylvania notaries should watch out for:

-   Not completing required education
-   Failing to record commission with county Recorder of Deeds
-   Using expired seal
-   Not posting/advising of fees (required in PA)
-   Providing legal advice — notaries are NOT attorneys (unless separately licensed)
-   Not understanding the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat

## Pennsylvania Notary Practice Exam

Test your knowledge with 20 multiple-choice questions covering Pennsylvania-specific rules and general notary law. No login required.

Start Practice Exam

## Notary Education by City in Pennsylvania

[Lattimer Mines](/education/pennsylvania/lattimer-mines)[Clymer](/education/pennsylvania/clymer)[Claridge](/education/pennsylvania/claridge)[Dudley](/education/pennsylvania/dudley)[Lansdowne](/education/pennsylvania/lansdowne)[Gilbertsville](/education/pennsylvania/gilbertsville)[Milesburg](/education/pennsylvania/milesburg)[Hostetter](/education/pennsylvania/hostetter)[Camp Hill](/education/pennsylvania/camp-hill)[Fairhope](/education/pennsylvania/fairhope)[Cheswick](/education/pennsylvania/cheswick)[Benton](/education/pennsylvania/benton)[Indianola](/education/pennsylvania/indianola)[Bradford](/education/pennsylvania/bradford)[Madisonburg](/education/pennsylvania/madisonburg)[Orbisonia](/education/pennsylvania/orbisonia)[Newville](/education/pennsylvania/newville)[Petrolia](/education/pennsylvania/petrolia)[Mattawana](/education/pennsylvania/mattawana)[Laughlintown](/education/pennsylvania/laughlintown)

## Notary Education by County in Pennsylvania

[Philadelphia County](/education/pennsylvania/county/philadelphia)[Allegheny County](/education/pennsylvania/county/allegheny)[Montgomery County](/education/pennsylvania/county/montgomery)[Bucks County](/education/pennsylvania/county/bucks)[Delaware County](/education/pennsylvania/county/delaware)[Lancaster County](/education/pennsylvania/county/lancaster)[Chester County](/education/pennsylvania/county/chester)[York County](/education/pennsylvania/county/york)[Berks County](/education/pennsylvania/county/berks)[Lehigh County](/education/pennsylvania/county/lehigh)[Westmoreland County](/education/pennsylvania/county/westmoreland)[Luzerne County](/education/pennsylvania/county/luzerne)[Northampton County](/education/pennsylvania/county/northampton)[Dauphin County](/education/pennsylvania/county/dauphin)[Erie County](/education/pennsylvania/county/erie)

## Join the Trusted Network of Verified Mobile Notaries

List your notary business on MobileNotaryNet and start receiving leads in Pennsylvania today.

[Create Your Profile](/join)[View Pricing](/pricing)

**Disclaimer:** Information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current laws. It is not intended as legal advice. MobileNotaryNet makes no guarantees as to accuracy or completeness and assumes no liability for any reliance on this information.

[![MobileNotaryNet icon](/assets/icon-mark-drjyu7BB.png)

MobileNotary Net Notary Directory 

](/)

The trusted nationwide network for mobile notary services.

Serving All 50 States & Canada

#### For Customers

[Find a Notary](/search)[Coverage Areas](/coverage)[For Companies](/for-companies)[Mobile Notary Directory](/mobile-notary-directory)[Canada Notary Directory](/canada)[FAQ](/faq)

#### For Notaries

[Get Listed](/join)[Education & Resources](/education)[Refer a Notary](/refer-a-notary)[Notary Login](/login)[Get a Pro Website](/notary-sites)

#### Company

[About Us](/about)[Directory](/directory)[Contact](/contact)

#### Legal

[Terms of Service](/terms)[Privacy Policy](/privacy)[Refund Policy](/refund-policy)

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobilenotarynet)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MobileNotaryNet)

MobileNotaryNet connects clients with verified mobile notaries nationwide.

© 2026 MobileNotaryNet.com. All rights reserved.

America's Trusted Mobile Notary Network