Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam — Study Guide
Free, topic-by-topic study notes for the Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam exam. Read a chapter, then practice it.
Notarial Acts & Their Differences
Under RULONA, a Pennsylvania notary may take acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, take verifications on oath or affirmation (jurats), witness or attest signatures, and certify copies of certain records.
Signer Identification & Satisfactory Evidence
RULONA requires the notary to identify the individual by personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, and to have no doubt the person appearing is who they claim to be.
Journal & Record-Keeping
Pennsylvania is a mandatory-journal state: the notary must keep a journal (register) of official acts, a requirement RULONA continued and standardized.
Prohibited Acts, Misconduct & Liability
RULONA sets grounds for refusal and discipline. A Pennsylvania notary must avoid conflicts, false certificates, and the unauthorized practice of law.
Commission: Eligibility, Term, Bond & Oath
Pennsylvania commissions run four years. New applicants complete education, pass the Pearson VUE exam, obtain a bond, and register with the county recorder of deeds.
Notary Fees
Pennsylvania notarial fees are set by the Department of State fee schedule; a notary may not exceed the maximum but may waive fees.
Seal, Stamp & Signature
Pennsylvania requires a notary seal on every notarial certificate; the seal identifies the notary and the commission.
Electronic & Remote Online Notarization
RULONA and Pennsylvania's modernization provisions authorize electronic notarization and remote online notarization for notaries who register the capability and use approved technology.
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