Qualification for Appointment: To become a Notary Public in PA the applicant must meet these requirements. (7)
18, Citizen, Reside or work in state, Read
... [Show More] and Write English, No crime/Background check, Complete 3 Hour course, Pass Examination.
Notary Bond Requirement
Required to obtain Surety Bond for $10,000 and record with county Recorder of Deeds with in 45 days after appointment
Purpose of Notary Bond
The Notary Bond Protects the public from notary's misconduct intentional or not. The surety company will seek compensation for damages from the Notary.
Filing the Bond
once recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds, a copy of the bond and oath of office must be filed with Dept of State within 90 days
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Protects the Notary. Notaries may choose to purchase, and will provide notary with legal counsel.
Definition of Reasonable Care
Is the degree of concern and attentiveness that a person of normal intelligence and responsibility would exhibit.
Requirement Filing Oath of Office
within 45 days of appointment and before issuance of commission, an applicant must execute an oath with the county Recorder of deeds in the county where the Notary will maintain office
Requirement Registering Signature
The Notary must register their signature with the prothonotary in the county the notary maintains office within 45 days of appointment
Appointment of Commission
Once all requirements have been met the Dept of State will appoint or reappoint the applicant to the office of Notary Public
Jurisdiction of a Notary
Notaries may perform official acts throughout Pennsylvania but not beyond it's borders. All parts of the official act need to take place at the same time and place within the common wealth.
PA Notaries Term of Office
Four Years
Changing Address within PA
Notary must notify the Dept of State within 30 days of any change of home or office
Change Address out of State
If the Notary does not maintain residence or office within the state they have effectively resigned the office of Notary.
Procedure To Resign
A Notary must submit written of electronic notification to the Dept of States Notary Division within 30 days. Notary must also destroy the official Notary stamp and deliver journal to the office of the Recorder or Deeds.
Name Change Procedure
A notary who changes their name may continue to notarize in original name until the commission expires. Notary still needs to report change to Dept of State within 30 days. Notary can use new name in same commission only after reporting change, registering new sig, and purchase of new seal.
Death of Notary Procedure
The person Knowingly in possession of the journal must deliver it to the office or the Recorder of Deeds in the county the Notary last maintained office. That same person must then destroy the notary seal.
Employer Notary Agreesments
An employer who has paid for an employees commission, bond and supplies may limit the notary's services during business hours solely to transactions related to the business. Notary's in such agreement may be required to remit fees and agreement may include increased compensation for notary. [Show Less]