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.
Mandatory journal entries
A Pennsylvania notary must maintain a journal recording each notarial act at the time of the act: the date and time, type of act, the record's description, the individual's name and address, how identity was verified, and the fee charged. Only one journal may be active at a time, and it must be a permanent, bound register (or an approved electronic journal).
Retention and safekeeping
The journal must be kept in a secure area under the notary's exclusive control and retained for the period required by law (generally at least ten years after the last entry). If the journal is lost or stolen, the notary must notify the Department of State. On resignation or death, the journal is delivered as RULONA directs.
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