Pennsylvania notary public
Exam requiredWhat it takes to become a notary public in Pennsylvania, from the state's 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.
Start the Notary course →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.