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.
Electronic and remote notarization
A Pennsylvania notary may perform notarial acts on electronic records and, if registered for RON, remotely by real-time audio-video technology from an approved provider. RON requires identity proofing and credential analysis (or personal knowledge), a tamper-evident electronic signature and seal, and an audio-video recording of the act.
Registration and records
To notarize electronically or remotely, the notary must notify the Department of State of the intent and identify the technology used, then keep the required records and recordings. The mandatory journal duty extends to electronic and remote acts. Confirm current approved-provider and recording-retention rules.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Prelicensing education
- 3 hours (state-approved notary education, completed within 6 months before applying)
Does Pennsylvania require a notary exam?
Yes. Every first-time applicant (and anyone whose commission has lapsed) must pass the state notary exam delivered by Pearson VUE. The first attempt may be taken online from home via OnVUE; any retake must be in person at a test center, with unlimited retakes inside a 6-month window.
Do I need a course before the Pennsylvania notary exam?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires at least 3 hours of approved notary education, completed within the 6 months before you apply, before you can sit for the Pearson VUE exam.
How long is a Pennsylvania notary commission?
A Pennsylvania notary public commission runs for 4 years.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/notaries, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/notaries/examination-requirement