PA Notary Cheat Sheet.
The night-before summary, built like the exam.

PA Notary Public Exam — Cheat Sheet

Exam Logistics (memorize the numbers)

• Exam required: Yes — you must pass an examination to be commissioned.
• Provider: Pearson VUE (the Department's exam vendor).
• Fee: $65 per test (pay again for each retake).
• Deadline to pass: 6 months from the date you're authorized to sit for the exam.

What a Notary Is

A notary public is a public officer commissioned by the state who acts as an impartial witness to signings and works to deter fraud. Neutrality is the recurring exam theme — most rules trace back to it.

Acknowledgment vs. Jurat (high-yield contrast)

• Acknowledgment: signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly. No oath. Signer need NOT sign in the notary's presence.
• Jurat: signer MUST sign in the notary's presence AND take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true. Used for affidavits / sworn statements.
• Memory hook: Jurat = swear (oath + sign in front of you); Acknowledgment = just confirms it's their willing signature.

Identifying the Signer

Positively identify every signer by personal knowledge OR satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued ID. No valid ID and no personal knowledge → you cannot proceed.

Must-Refuse Triggers (any one = decline)

• Signer appears coerced.
• Signer doesn't understand the transaction.
• Signer can't be properly identified.
• Signer is not physically present (physical presence is mandatory).

Prohibited Acts

• No self-interest: never notarize a document you're a party to or have a direct financial/beneficial interest in.
• No absent signers: signer must be physically present at the moment of notarization.
• Non-attorney notaries: may not give legal advice, take fees for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others.

Journal — What to Record Every Time

• Date and time of the act
• Type of act
• Type of document
• Name and address of each signer
• Identification method used

Official Seal — Required Contents

• Notary's name
• The words "Notary Public"
• The commissioning state
• The commission expiration date

Seal & Journal Security

Keep both the seal and journal under your exclusive control — never let anyone else use them. This is a common exam distractor (delegating your seal is always wrong).