Pennsylvania Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires every notary public to execute a $25,000 surety bond. Within 45 days after the date of appointment, the notary must record the bond, the oath of office, and the notary commission at the office of the recorder of deeds in the county where the notary maintains an office — and this must happen before the notary begins notarizing. If the 45-day deadline is missed, the commission becomes null and void and the person must reapply to the Department of State and obtain a new bond.

The bond protects the public. The surety — an insurer authorized to do business in Pennsylvania — agrees to pay losses up to $25,000 caused by the notary’s failure to faithfully perform their duties. A notary may perform notarial acts in the Commonwealth only during the period a valid bond is on file. Because the bond protects the customer rather than the notary, the notary must repay the surety any amount it pays on the notary’s behalf.

The bond must be executed by an authorized insurer, cover acts performed during the commission term, and use the form prescribed by the Department of State.

How to become a notary in Pennsylvania

1. Confirm eligibility under 57 Pa.C.S. § 321: be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, a resident of or employed/practicing in Pennsylvania, and able to read and write English.
2. Complete the required basic education course and pass the notary examination.
3. Apply to the Department of State with the nonrefundable $42 fee, which includes the application fee and the fee for filing the bond with the department.
4. Obtain the $25,000 surety bond from an authorized insurer.
5. After appointment, execute the oath or affirmation of office, then record the bond, oath, and commission at the county recorder of deeds within 45 days and before performing any notarial act.
6. Obtain a compliant notary seal and begin notarizing once recording is complete.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania requires the $25,000 surety bond, but errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and serves a different purpose. The bond protects the public: it pays a customer harmed by the notary’s failure to perform their duties, and the notary must reimburse the surety. E&O insurance protects the notary, covering defense costs and covered losses from a negligent act, error, or omission made in official capacity. The Department of State makes clear E&O is not required to obtain or maintain a commission.

Renewing your Pennsylvania commission

A Pennsylvania commission runs for four years. Upon reappointment, the notary must again obtain a new $25,000 bond and record the bond, oath of office, and new commission at the county recorder of deeds within 45 days of the beginning of the new term. As with the initial appointment, missing the 45-day recording deadline voids the commission and requires reapplication and a new bond. Notaries should begin the renewal process before their current term expires to avoid a lapse.

Remote online notarization in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania authorizes electronic and remote notarization. A notary who wishes to notarize electronic records or perform remote (audio-video) notarizations must notify or register with the Department of State and use approved communication technology and identity-verification methods. Review the Department of State’s electronic or remote notarization resources for the current requirements before offering these services.

Non-resident notaries in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows applicants who are not residents but who have a place of employment or practice in the Commonwealth to be commissioned. Such notaries record their bond, oath, and commission at the recorder of deeds in the county where they maintain a Pennsylvania office, and must meet all other eligibility and education requirements.