How to Become a Notary in Philadelphia

Philadelphia notaries are subject to Pennsylvania law.

Becoming a notary public in Philadelphia requires adherence to Pennsylvania state law. The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the governing officer and is allowed to commission and appoint an unlimited number of notaries public as "deemed necessary." The notary public is appointed for a four-year term.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Filing fee
• Completion of basic notary public education course
• Endorsement by a Pennsylvania State Senator from one of the Philadelphia State Senatorial districts
• Notary bond

Instructions

1. 

   18 years old or older

   Make sure you are qualified. Notaries public in Philadelphia must be 18 years or older, a resident of Pennsylvania or a non-resident employed in Philadelphia county, and of good character, integrity and ability. Conviction of a felony, pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or charge that is incompatible with the office of notary public in a five-year period prior to the application will disqualify an applicant. Revocation of a notary public commission by the Secretary of the Commonwealth in a five-year period prior to the application will disqualify an applicant.

2. 

   Education

   Attend a three-hour mandatory notary education class. There are 16 organizations which offer the mandatory course approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

3. Obtain an application. Download the form from the Pennsylvania Department of State's website or request online that a form be mailed to you. You can also call the Department of State at 717-787-5280 and request a form.

4. Complete the application. Type or print legibly. Obtain an endorsement from one of the Pennsylvania state senators who have all or part of their district in Philadelphia.

5. 

   Mail

   Mail the completed application, a check or money order for the filing fee, proof of completion of the mandatory three-hour notary education class and endorsement from a state senator in the Philadelphia district to:

   Department of State
   Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation
   210 North Office Building
   Harrisburg, PA 17120-0029

6. Notification of appointment as a notary public will be sent to the applicant by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Secretary will then send the notary's commission to the recorder of deeds in Philadelphia county.

7. Complete the commission requirements within 45 days of appointment. Execute a notary bond. Register your signature with the prothonotary of Philadelphia county, take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office and record the bond, commission and oath of office in the recorder of deeds office. Failure to meet these requirements in 45 days will render the appointment null and void and the process will have to begin all over again.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of State: Become a Notary
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Mandatory Education Requirement
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Education Providers
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Application Process and Instructions
• Committee of Seventy: State Senators

Resources

• Pennsylvania Association of Notaries: Bonds