Pennsylvanianotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredPennsylvania notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- Pearson VUE (Department of State's official exam vendor)
- Commission term
- 4 years
- Surety bond
- $25,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000, effective for notaries newly appointed/reappointed on or after March 28, 2026)
- Notes
- Computer-based exam, $65 fee, covers notary laws/procedures; 6 months to pass in as many attempts as needed. Bond amount recently increased — significant regulatory change to flag given the July 2026 research date.
Preparing to be a Pennsylvania notary
Pennsylvania requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Pennsylvania statute on top of the core.
Free notary practice questions →Pennsylvania notary public FAQ
Does Pennsylvania require a notary exam?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a written notary exam (Pearson VUE (Department of State's official exam vendor)).
What are the Pennsylvania notary public rules for term and bond?
A Pennsylvania notary commission is typically 4 years. Surety bond requirement: $25,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000, effective for notaries newly appointed/reappointed on or after March 28, 2026). Confirm current amounts with the official Pennsylvania authority.
How do I become a notary public in Pennsylvania?
Follow Pennsylvania commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($25,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000, effective for notaries newly appointed/reappointed on or after March 28, 2026)), and apply through the official Pennsylvania commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Pennsylvania commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.