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.
Disqualifying interest
A notary may not perform a notarial act if the notary or the notary's spouse is a party to or has a direct beneficial interest in the transaction. This bright-line RULONA rule is broader than some states' and is heavily tested—a notary cannot notarize a document benefiting the notary or their spouse.
False acts and UPL
Issuing a certificate the notary knows is false, notarizing without personal appearance, or advising which document/act to use (unauthorized practice of law) are prohibited. Violations can lead to Department of State discipline, commission revocation, civil liability, and criminal charges.
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