Apply to be a Notary

Notaries are public officials who play a vital role in commerce and are on the front lines of deterring document fraud.

Appointed and commissioned by the Department of State, notaries have the authority to perform several duties, including:

• administering oaths and affirmations
• taking acknowledgments
• taking a verification on oath or affirmation
• witnessing or attesting signatures
• certifying a copy of a record or deposition

Notaries have been officially recognized in Pennsylvania for over 200 years, and currently more than 85,000 people are commissioned as notaries in the Commonwealth.

 

To be appointed as a notary, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal U.S. resident
• Be a resident or have a place of employment or practice in Pennsylvania
• Be able to read and write in English
• Complete at least 3 hours of mandatory notary education with an approved provider within 6 months of applying or reapplying
• Successfully pass the notary examination
• Meet all criteria related to character, criminal convictions, and prior sanctions

You may not serve as a notary if you:

• Are a U.S. Congress member
• Hold an office or appointment of profit or trust under the federal government’s legislative, executive, or judiciary departments for which you receive a salary, fees, or related benefits
• Are a Pennsylvania General Assembly member

 

For the fastest service, we recommend you submit your initial application or your renewal application through our online system. You can also submit your application and documentation by mail.

Online

Before beginning your application in our online system, be sure you have all required information and documentation.

Initial applicants

• A current email address to receive testing and appointment information
• Proof of your 3 hours of mandatory notary education through an approved education provider within the previous 6 months
• $42 filing fee

Reappointment applicants

• A current email address to receive testing and appointment information
• Proof of your 3 hours of mandatory notary education through an approved education provider within the previous 6 months
• Current or most recent commission expiration date and/or your commission ID number
• $42 filing fee

By mail

You can download a paper application or call us to request a paper application by mail. Be sure your completed application contains:

• Your full first and last name (full middle name or middle initial is optional) or
• Your first initial, full middle name and last name

If you are applying for reappointment, be sure you include your current or most recent commission expiration date and/or your commission ID number.

In addition to your completed application, be sure to include:

• A check or money order for the $42 filing fee made payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” that is not stapled to your application
• Proof of your 3 hours of mandatory notary education through an approved education provider within the previous 6 months

Our Bureau of Notaries, Commissions and Legislation staff is here to help you.

If you have general questions, you can either email us or call us.

To check on the status of your recently submitted application, please use our online system.