Critical · UNAUTHORIZED
Unauthorized
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is a crime that can result in fines and imprisonment.
Become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania
Start a notary business in Pennsylvania. Commission term: 4 years. Startup costs: $294 - $1,960
Startup cost range — full setup
Notary Services · PA
$294
–
$1,960
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
With 13M residents, Pennsylvania has massive demand for notary services—real estate closings, legal documents, and loan signings happen constantly. Startup costs of $294-$1,960 make this one of the most affordable professional services to launch. You'll need a $10,000 surety bond, Pennsylvania residency, and a clean background check—no degree required. Mobile notary and loan signing work is the real revenue driver—signings pay $75-200 per appointment, and active real estate in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown keeps the pipeline full. Many notaries start part-time, then go full-time once their signing agent income ramps up.
Heads-up
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Important Notices
Notice · INTEREST
Interest
Never notarize a document in which you have a personal or financial interest.
Notice · IDENTITY
Identity
You must properly identify signers. Notarizing for someone you cannot identify exposes you to liability.
Notice · FEES
Fees
Pennsylvania sets maximum fees notaries can charge. Exceeding these limits is illegal.
Cost breakdown
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Important Notices
| Item | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee State notary application fee | $39 | $39 | State notary application fee |
| Surety Bond $10,000 bond (4-year term) | $49 | $49 | $10,000 bond (4-year term) |
| Notary Seal/Stamp Official notary seal meeting state specifications | $29 | $29 | Official notary seal meeting state specifications |
| Notary Journal Record book for notarial acts | $25 | $25 | Record book for notarial acts |
| Education Course Required or recommended training course | $98 | $98 | Required or recommended training course |
| E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance (recommended) | $98 | $98 | Errors and omissions insurance (recommended) |
| Business License If operating as a notary business | $74 | $74 | If operating as a notary business |
| Marketing Website, business cards, directory listings | $196 | $196 | Website, business cards, directory listings |
| Total range | $608 | $608 |
What's required
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Notary Commission & Requirements
-
Age Requirement
Must be at least 18 years old.
-
Pennsylvania Residency
Must be a legal resident of Pennsylvania or have principal place of business in the state.
-
Background Check
Must pass criminal background check. Certain convictions may disqualify applicants.
-
Application & Fee
Submit notary application with required fee to Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
-
$10,000 Surety Bond
Must obtain and maintain surety bond for 4-year commission term.
-
Notary Seal/Stamp
Must obtain official notary seal meeting state specifications.
-
Oath of Office
Must take and file oath of office before performing notarial acts.
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Notary Journal
Record book for documenting all notarial acts performed.
Markets
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Notary Commission & Requirements
| # | City | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Philadelphia Notary services in Philadelphia, PA | Notary services in Philadelphia, PA |
| 02 | Pittsburgh Notary services in Pittsburgh, PA | Notary services in Pittsburgh, PA |
| 03 | Allentown Notary services in Allentown, PA | Notary services in Allentown, PA |
| 04 | Erie Notary services in Erie, PA | Notary services in Erie, PA |
| 05 | Harrisburg Notary services in Harrisburg, PA | Notary services in Harrisburg, PA |
Cross-state
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Notary Services Costs in Other States
Operator notes
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Pennsylvania Notary Tips
Tip · 01
Consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent for loan document closings (higher income)
Tip · 02
Invest in E&O insurance even if not required - it protects your personal assets
Tip · 03
Join the National Notary Association for resources and credibility
Tip · 04
Offer mobile notary services to increase your customer base
Tip · 05
Keep meticulous records in your notary journal for legal protection
Process
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Pennsylvania Notary Tips
-
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet Pennsylvania requirements: 18+ years old, state resident, no disqualifying criminal history.
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Complete Education
Take any required or recommended notary education course. Some states mandate training.
-
Submit Application
Complete notary application and submit to Pennsylvania Secretary of State with required fee.
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Obtain Surety Bond
Purchase $10,000 surety bond from licensed surety company.
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Take Oath of Office
After commission approval, take oath of office and file with county clerk.
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Purchase Supplies
Obtain official notary seal/stamp and journal meeting state specifications.
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Start Notarizing
Begin performing notarial acts. Consider mobile notary or loan signing specialization.
Common questions
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Pennsylvania Notary FAQ
Q.01 How long does it take to become a notary in Pennsylvania?
The process typically takes 2-8 weeks in Pennsylvania, including application processing, background check, and obtaining your commission. Total startup investment in Pennsylvania runs $294-$1,960.
Q.02 Why do I need a $10,000 surety bond?
The surety bond protects the public if you make errors or commit misconduct. You purchase it from a surety company for about $49 and maintain it throughout your 4-year commission.
Q.03 How much can I earn as a notary?
Part-time notaries in Pennsylvania typically earn $200-$500/month. Full-time mobile notaries and loan signing agents can earn $3,000-$10,000/month or more.
Q.04 Can I notarize for family members?
Generally no. You should not notarize documents in which you or immediate family members have a direct interest. This could invalidate the document and expose you to liability.
Related
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