How to Become a Notary Public
There are only a few but important requirements to becoming a Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to the Notary Act of Pennsylvania, an applicant must met the following requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- You must live or work in the Commonwealth.(Your office must be physically located in PA, P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.)
- Applicant must be of good moral character, integrity and ability.
- You must attend a three-hour Notary education course
PA Notary Education
To become a Notary Public in PA you must attend a mandatory educational course on being a Notary Public. This course must be provided by a PA State Department accredited provider. There are many providers to choose from. Most of the organizations mentioned here have "package deals". They include your application and fee being processed by them, your bond, supplies and your required course are all included in one price.
- The Notary Academy is the most prominent educational provider in the state.They supply a large variety of courses taught by Accredited PA Instructors. Their programs are done in a classroom setting and are held at various locations around the state. Their Advanced Notary Course gives you the required educational training along with an advanced course for becoming a "Accredited PA Signing Agent" all in one. They are not a membership organization but a free networking community. They have a great mentoring program along with many unique courses for starting and maintaining your business as a Notary Public in PA.
Application process
- Download the application from the Department of State webpage
- Attend the mandatory education course from a certified trainer
- Complete the application and submit it to the State Senator of the district where you live, (if PA resident) or the district office where you work (non PA resident) for signature
- Send signed application (from your Senator), required fees and a copy of the certificate from the course to the address on application. (Your Senator may do this for you.)
- Your approval letter from State Department will arrive shortly after. Pay very close attention to the date of your appointment. Make sure you register within the time frame on the letter or you must start the process all over!
- Apply for $10,000. bond from any insurance agent
- Take the approval letter and your bond to your local recorders office. They will guide you through the process of registering your signature and your bond. We suggest you call your local recorder first and inquire about fees and locations.
- Purchase your stamp and notary log. And you are all set!
Ineligible for Notary Public Commission
- Anyone who holds any judicial position, except for justice of the peace
- All members of the U.S. Congress
- Anyone who holds an office or is appointed to a paid position under any branch of the U.S. government which provides a salary or perks
- Applicants can also be disqualified if, within the five years of submitting an application has been convicted or pled no contest to a felony or crime that is incompatible with being a Notary or, if there was a Notary commission revoked within five years
Signing Agents
An Accredited Signing Agent is a Notary Public trained by The Notary Academy. Their course is an indepth training program in real estate documents and how they are executed. There are many organizations that do this. But not all are the same. They vary in education, training and most are not consistent with PA law. The Commonwealth of PA approves and certifies educational providers on their "Mandatory Notarial Educational Course" for Notaries Public in PA. This course is mandatory for all new Notaries Public. The Commonwealth does not recognize the "Signing Agent" course. Therefore they do not accredit these courses.
Always remember a Notary Public is not an Attorney, we can not provide forms, give legal advice or draw any documents. Nor can a PA Notary Public perform a marriage. If you are in need of legal advice, legal defense or a legal document drafted, please contact an attorney of your choice.
