Key Takeaways
- Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Must be a resident of Pennsylvania OR have regular place of employment in PA
- Must be able to read and write English
- Must complete a 3-hour approved education course within 6 months of applying
- Must pass the Pennsylvania notary examination (80% passing score)
Basic Qualifications Under RULONA
Pennsylvania's notary requirements are established by the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), which became effective on October 26, 2017. Understanding these qualifications is essential for both the exam (80% passing score required) and your application.
Eligibility Requirements
Age and Citizenship Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old at time of application |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen OR permanent legal resident |
| Language | Must be able to read and write English |
Residency Requirements
You must meet ONE of the following:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Resident | Reside in Pennsylvania |
| Place of Employment | Have a regular place of employment or practice in PA |
Important: Non-residents who work in Pennsylvania may become Pennsylvania notaries. They must file their oath and bond in the county of employment.
Character Requirements
RULONA requires notaries to possess honesty, integrity, competence, and reliability.
| Disqualifying Factors | Generally Not Disqualifying |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Minor traffic violations |
| Crimes of dishonesty | Infractions |
| Fraud-related offenses | Old, minor misdemeanors |
| Prior notary commission revocation | Single, non-fraud related offense |
| Sanctions from another state | Minor civil matters |
Education Requirement
All applicants must complete a mandatory notary education course:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 3 hours |
| Content | RULONA statutes, procedures, ethics |
| Provider | State-approved education provider |
| Validity | Must complete within 6 months before applying |
| Who Needs It | ALL new applicants (no exemptions) |
Examination Requirement
| Who Must Take Exam | Who Is Exempt |
|---|---|
| All first-time applicants | Renewing notaries with no lapse |
| Applicants with expired commissions | N/A - any lapse requires exam |
| Previously failed applicants | N/A - must pass to proceed |
Critical: If your commission expires even by one day before you apply for reappointment, you must take and pass the examination again, even if you passed it previously.
On the Exam
Expect questions on qualifications:
- Age: 18 years old minimum
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Residency: PA resident OR regular PA employment
- Education: 3-hour course required
- Exam: 80% passing score (scaled 75 on 0-100)
- Commission term: 4 years
What is the minimum age to become a Pennsylvania notary public?
A New Jersey resident wants to become a Pennsylvania notary. What must they demonstrate?
A notary's commission expired 3 days ago. What must they do to be reappointed?