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Qualifications Applicants for the office of notary public must meet the following criteria: Be at least 18 years old Be a resident of or be employed within the Commonwealth Be of good character, integrity and ability Must not have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a lesser offense incompatible with the duties of a notary public during the five-year period preceding the date of application. A felony conviction or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony OR a commission revocation in the Commonwealth or any other state within the five years prior to application will result in application rejection. The following persons are not eligible to hold the office of notary public: Any person holding any judicial office in the Commonwealth, except the office of Magisterial District Justice A member of the U.S. Congress, and a person holding an office or appointment of profit or trust under the legislative, executive or judiciary departments of the federal government for which he or she receives a salary, fees or perquisites Any member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania Term of Office 4 years Appointment Secretary of State Notary Education Required by state law Notary Exam Not required Study Course "Notary Public Education Course" FREE when you purchase a Notary Supply Package at The Notary's Store Bond $10,000 (Obtained after receiving your commission) Seal of Office Rubber Stamp Seal with reproducible ink required by state law, or Embossing Seal Notary Journal Required by state law E & O insurance Not required - Errors and Omissions Insurance recommended for notary protection

Application Procedures Step 1: Complete the mandatory education requirement for commission as a Pennsylvania Notary Public Pennsylvania notaries public are required to be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the office. As a condition for initial appointment and reappointment, notaries public are required to complete a three hour pre-approved notary public education course within six months immediately preceding application. Please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of State website for a list of approved notary education providers. When you receive your course completion certificate make a copy to include with your application and save the original for your records. Step 2: Download and complete the Pennsylvania Notary Public Application Pennsylvania Application Process Instructions and Notary Public Application Download and complete the application according to the instructions provided. Be sure to complete all blanks on the application, using N/A or "Not Applicable" where appropriate, as an incomplete application will delay processing. Each application must be accompanied by a check or money order for $40.00 made payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania". The fee is non-refundable. Please note: the Secretary of the Commonwealth is authorized to revoke the notary public commission of a notary public who issues a personal insufficient funds check to the order of any State agency or the Commonwealth subject to the right of notice, hearing and adjudication and right of appeal. When you are satisfied the application is filled out completely and correctly, you should mail it and the filing fee to the following address. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation Division of Commissions, Legislation and Notaries 210 North Office Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 If the Department of State approves your application you will receive a notice of appointment with further instructions and an official bond and oath form to be executed by you when you receive your surety bond. New and Renewing Notary Packages Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal Our New and Renewal Notary Packages include your required $10,000 Pennsylvania Notary Bond. The price for this notary bond is the same if purchased with one of our packages or purchased separately. Step 3: Order your Official Surety Bond and other supplies from The Notary's Store Please visit The Notary's Store you will be entering the Pennsylvania section for your official surety bond and other notary supplies. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which include your required $10,000 Pennsylvania Notary Bond, Pennsylvania Notary Seal/Stamp and Pennsylvania Notary Journal, and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your notary supplies separately. Follow the instructions through checkout. Once you receive your official surety bond from The Notary's Store, make a copy of the actual bond for your records. Now you may proceed with step 4. Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy does not replace a bond, but will help to repay the bonding company if a claim is ever made. Errors and Omissions is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued. Step 4: File with the County Recorder of Deeds and the Prothonotary When you receive your supplies from The Notary's Store, you should inspect them to be certain the information is correct. You will then need to record the commission, executed bond and oath form in the Recorder of Deeds in the county where your office is located. You will then need to register your official signature with the Prothonotary of the county wherein your business is located. You may be charged a fee of $.50 for the registration of your signature. You must sign your name exactly and only as it appears on your commission. This must be completed within FORTY- FIVE (45) DAYS after the date of appointment or the commission becomes null and void. Extensions will not be given. Once these requirements are met, the Recorder of Deeds will issue the commission and wallet card to you and you will be ready to act as a commissioned notary public for the State of Pennsylvania.