Seal, Stamp & Signature
Pennsylvania requires a notary seal on every notarial certificate; the seal identifies the notary and the commission.
Required seal elements
A Pennsylvania notary must use an official rubber-stamp seal containing the notary's name exactly as commissioned, the words 'Notary Public,' the county in which the notary maintains an office, the commission's expiration date, and the notary's commission identification number, plus the Commonwealth's designation. The seal must be photographically reproducible.
Care of the seal
The seal must be kept secure and used only by the notary. On resignation, revocation, or expiration, the notary must destroy or deface the seal so it cannot be misused, and if it is lost or stolen the notary must notify the Department of State. A notarial act is incomplete without the seal and certificate.
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