Become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania
Start a notary business in Pennsylvania. Commission term: 4 years. Startup costs: $294 - $1,960
Important Notices
Unauthorized
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is a crime that can result in fines and imprisonment.
Interest
Never notarize a document in which you have a personal or financial interest.
Identity
You must properly identify signers. Notarizing for someone you cannot identify exposes you to liability.
Fees
Pennsylvania sets maximum fees notaries can charge. Exceeding these limits is illegal.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee State notary application fee | $39 | $39 |
| Surety Bond $10,000 bond (4-year term) | $49 | $49 |
| Notary Seal/Stamp Official notary seal meeting state specifications | $29 | $29 |
| Notary Journal Record book for notarial acts | $25 | $25 |
| Education Course Required or recommended training course | $98 | $98 |
| E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance (recommended) | $98 | $98 |
| Business License If operating as a notary business | $74 | $74 |
| Marketing Website, business cards, directory listings | $196 | $196 |
| Total | $608 | $608 |
Notary Commission & Requirements
Age Requirement
Must be at least 18 years old.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State
Pennsylvania Residency
Must be a legal resident of Pennsylvania or have principal place of business in the state.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State
Background Check
Must pass criminal background check. Certain convictions may disqualify applicants.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State
Application & Fee
Submit notary application with required fee to Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State
$10,000 Surety Bond
Must obtain and maintain surety bond for 4-year commission term.
Surety Company
Notary Seal/Stamp
Must obtain official notary seal meeting state specifications.
Vendor
Oath of Office
Must take and file oath of office before performing notarial acts.
Pennsylvania County Clerk
Notary Journal
Record book for documenting all notarial acts performed.
Vendor
Notary Commission & Requirements
Philadelphia
Notary services in Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh
Notary services in Pittsburgh, PA
Allentown
Notary services in Allentown, PA
Erie
Notary services in Erie, PA
Harrisburg
Notary services in Harrisburg, PA
Notary Services Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesPennsylvania Notary Tips
Consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent for loan document closings (higher income)
Invest in E&O insurance even if not required - it protects your personal assets
Join the National Notary Association for resources and credibility
Offer mobile notary services to increase your customer base
Keep meticulous records in your notary journal for legal protection
Pennsylvania Notary Tips
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet Pennsylvania requirements: 18+ years old, state resident, no disqualifying criminal history.
Complete Education
Take any required or recommended notary education course. Some states mandate training.
Submit Application
Complete notary application and submit to Pennsylvania Secretary of State with required fee.
Obtain Surety Bond
Purchase $10,000 surety bond from licensed surety company.
Take Oath of Office
After commission approval, take oath of office and file with county clerk.
Purchase Supplies
Obtain official notary seal/stamp and journal meeting state specifications.
Start Notarizing
Begin performing notarial acts. Consider mobile notary or loan signing specialization.