Pennsylvania Notary Bond

In Pennsylvania, notaries public must obtain a $10,000 Notary Bond as part of the commissioning process. This bond ensures compliance with state regulations and guarantees ethical, accurate notarial duties.

If a notary’s mistake, negligence, or misconduct causes financial loss, an affected party can file a claim against the bond for compensation. However, if the claim is valid and the surety company pays the claim, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the company. 

It’s important to note that while the bond protects the public, it does not provide financial protection for the notary. To safeguard themselves from potential liability, many notaries choose to invest in Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. The Pennsylvania Department of State regulates notarial practices and bond requirements, ensuring accountability and trust in the profession.

The cost of a Pennsylvania notary bond typically ranges between $35 and $55 for the entire four-year term (processing fees may be applied). The required bond amount is $10,000. Notaries must purchase the bond from a state-approved surety company and submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of State as part of the licensing process.

Obtaining a surety bond is a mandatory step for notaries public during the commission process. This four-year bond serves as a financial safeguard, ensuring that notaries comply with state laws and ethical standards while performing their duties.

In addition to the bond, notaries in Pennsylvania should plan for additional expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $42
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Approximately $20 (varies by vendor)
• Notary Journal: Costs range from $10 to $50 (recommended for record-keeping)
• State-Required Education Course: Typically $40–$80 (required for first-time applicants and renewals)
• Exam Fee (if applicable): $65 for new notaries

These costs help ensure Pennsylvania notaries meet state requirements and have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively. For the most up-to-date information and official guidelines, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website or contact the Notary Division.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Pennsylvania Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $10,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you'll immediately receive a bond quote. Review the details to ensure everything is accurate, and if you need any changes, our team is here to assist.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, finalize your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the required documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you shortly, ready to be submitted with your notary application.

In Pennsylvania, notaries public are essential for verifying the identity of signers and reducing fraud risks in important transactions. Notaries are appointed by the Pennsylvania Department of State for four-year terms and must meet several requirements to maintain their commission.

Renewal Steps:

1. Obtain a New $10,000 Surety Bond from an approved provider.
2. Complete the Notary Renewal Application: You will need to provide accurate personal details, including your bond information.
3. Pay the Required Fees, including:
   • State Renewal Fee: $42
   • Bond Premium: Typically $35 - $55, depending on your provider.
4. Submit the Application and Bond before your commission expires to avoid interruptions in your notarial duties.
5. Receive Your Updated Commission Certificate upon approval.
    

Eligibility for Renewal:

• You must complete the required 3 hour education course (mandatory for both new and renewing notaries).
• If you are renewing after your commission has expired, you must pass the notary exam administered by Pearson VUE.

The renewal period opens 60 days before your commission expires, so it’s essential to renew on time to prevent interruptions in your notarial duties. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.

Notary Bond Requirements

Pennsylvania requires notaries to obtain a $10,000 surety bond for their four-year commission to ensure accountability and protect the public from financial losses due to notarial errors or misconduct.

To qualify as a notary in Kansas, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment within the state
• Have no felony convictions (unless rights have been restored)
• Have no prior notary commission revocations

Application Requirements

To apply for a Kansas notary commission, you must:

• Complete the notary application online through the Pennsylvania Department of State.
• Complete a state-approved notary education course (required for new applicants and renewals).
• Pass the Pennsylvania notary exam (required for first-time applicants).
• Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from a state-licensed surety provider.
• Submit a notarized Oath of Office and the bond to the Recorder of Deeds in your county.
• Pay the $42 state filing fee (bond premium is separate).
• Wait for approval and receive your notary commission certificate.
• Obtain a notary seal (mandatory) and a notary journal (recommended for record-keeping).

Notaries are required to obtain a $10,000 surety bond as part of their commissioning process. This bond protects the public from any financial loss due to the notary's errors or misconduct. The bond must be purchased from an approved provider.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a notary public position in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following conditions:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and reside, be employed, or practice in Pennsylvania.
• Language: Be able to read and write in English.
• Criminal Record: Maintain a clean criminal record with no significant criminal convictions, particularly those involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
• Education: Complete a minimum of three hours of notary education from an approved provider within six months before applying.
• Examination: Pass a notary examination administered by Pearson VUE if you're applying for the first time or if your previous commission has expired.

Application Process

1. Complete the Online Application: Submit your application online through the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
2. Education Requirement: Ensure you complete the required three-hour education course.
3. Pass the Examination: First-time applicants must pass the notary examination.
4. Pay the Application Fee: The fee for applying is $42.
5. Submit the Notary Bond: You will need to provide proof of the $10,000 surety bond with your application.
6. Take the Oath of Office: After receiving approval, you must take an official oath and register your signature with the Department of State.
7. Receive Your Commission: After approval, you'll receive your official notary commission.

Pennsylvania permanently authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) with the passage of HB 2370, effective October 29, 2020. This allows commissioned Pennsylvania notaries to perform notarizations remotely via secure audio-video communication.

To perform RONs in Pennsylvania, notaries must first hold an active traditional notary commission and register with the Department of State. The process involves submitting an Electronic Notary Public Application, selecting an approved RON technology provider, and ensuring compliance with state security and recordkeeping requirements.

Remote online notarizations require the use of state-approved RON platforms that provide secure identity verification, electronic signatures, and tamper-evident documents. Notaries must retain audio-video recordings of remote notarizations for seven years to comply with state regulations.

Pennsylvania’s RON law enhances accessibility and convenience, allowing signers to complete notarizations from anywhere while maintaining strong security measures to prevent fraud.