Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam Study Guide
- Exam fee
- $65
- Governing body
- Pennsylvania Department of State
Before you can be commissioned as a notary public in Pennsylvania, you must pass a required examination. Knowing the logistics up front helps you plan, budget, and schedule with confidence.
The essentials at a glance
- Exam required: Yes — Pennsylvania requires prospective notaries to pass an examination.
- Who administers it: The exam is administered by the Department of State's examination vendor, Pearson VUE.
- Cost: $65 per test.
- Testing window: You have six months from the time you are authorized to sit for the exam to successfully pass it.
Plan around the six-month window
Because the authorization window is limited to six months, treat your study schedule as time-boxed. The $65 fee applies per test, so a focused first attempt saves both money and time. Build your prep plan backward from the end of your window and aim to test well before the deadline, leaving room for a retake if needed.
At its core, the notary's job is about trust. A notary public is a public officer commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and to deter fraud.
Why impartiality matters on the exam
Almost every exam scenario tests this single idea from a different angle: is the notary acting as a neutral, careful witness? When you read a question, ask yourself whether the notary is protecting the integrity of the signing or bending the rules for convenience. The impartial-witness standard is the lens that resolves most tricky questions.
The single most tested distinction on notary exams is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat. Memorize the mechanics of each.
Acknowledgment
In an acknowledgment, the signer appears before the notary and declares that the signature on the document is genuine and that it was made willingly. The signer does not have to sign in the notary's presence, and takes no oath.
Jurat
In a jurat, the signer must sign the document in the presence of the notary and take an oath or affirmation that the statements in the document are true. A jurat is used for affidavits and sworn statements.
The memory hook
The fastest way to tell them apart: a jurat always involves an oath and requires signing in front of you, while an acknowledgment involves neither an oath nor mandatory in-presence signing. If the document is an affidavit or contains sworn statements, expect a jurat.
A notarization is only as trustworthy as the notary's certainty about who is signing. The notary must positively identify the signer, either through personal knowledge or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued identification document.
Two acceptable paths to identity
- Personal knowledge: The notary already knows the signer well enough to be certain of their identity.
- Satisfactory evidence: Reliable proof such as a current government-issued ID.
On the exam, watch for scenarios where a signer offers an expired ID or where the notary has only a casual acquaintance. When identity cannot be established through one of these two paths, the notarization cannot proceed.
A large share of exam questions describe a situation and ask, "May the notary proceed?" The following prohibitions decide most of them.
The core prohibitions
- Self-interest: A notary must not notarize a document to which the notary is a party or in which the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction.
- Absent signer: A notary may not notarize a signature unless the signer is physically present at the time of the notarization.
- Unauthorized legal work: A notary who is not an attorney may not give legal advice, accept fees for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others.
When to refuse
Beyond the outright prohibitions, a notary must refuse to perform a notarization if the signer appears to be coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.
A reliable exam strategy: if any answer choice has the notary notarizing for an absent signer, notarizing where they personally benefit, giving legal advice as a non-attorney, or proceeding despite coercion or confusion, that choice describes a violation.
Recordkeeping and the official seal are the notary's tools of accountability. Expect direct questions on what goes in the journal and what appears on the seal.
What the journal records
A notary journal records the date and time of the act, the type of act, the type of document, the name and address of each signer, and the method used to identify the signer.
What the seal contains
The official seal typically includes the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and the commission expiration date.
Exclusive control
The notary must keep the seal and journal under the notary's exclusive control and must not allow another person to use them. Because these items authenticate official acts, lending them out or leaving them accessible to others is a serious breach — a common wrong-answer trap on the exam.
Pennsylvania Notary flashcards
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Is an exam required to become a PA notary, and who administers it?
Yes — applicants must pass an examination, which is administered by Pearson VUE, the Department's examination vendor.
What is the role of a notary public?
A public officer commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to signings and to deter fraud.
How much does the PA notary exam cost?
$65 per test.
How long do you have to pass the PA notary exam once authorized to sit for it?
Six months from the time you are authorized to sit for the examination.
What is an acknowledgment?
A notarial act in which the signer declares the signature is genuine and made willingly. The signer need not sign in the notary's presence and takes no oath.
What is a jurat?
A notarial act in which the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true. It is used for affidavits and sworn statements.
Key difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
An acknowledgment involves no oath and the signer need not sign before the notary; a jurat requires signing in the notary's presence plus an oath or affirmation that the statements are true.
How must a notary identify a signer?
Through personal knowledge or by satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued identification document.
May a notary notarize a document in which they have a financial interest?
No. A notary must not notarize a document to which they are a party or in which they have a direct financial or beneficial interest.
Can a notary notarize a signature if the signer is not present?
No. A notary may not notarize a signature unless the signer is physically present at the time of notarization.
May a non-attorney notary give legal advice or prepare legal documents?
No. A non-attorney notary may not give legal advice, accept fees for legal advice, or prepare legal documents for others.
When must a notary refuse to perform a notarization?
When the signer appears coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.
What information must a notary record in the journal for each act?
The date and time of the act, the type of act, the type of document, the name and address of each signer, and the method used to identify the signer.
What must the official notary seal include?
The notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and the commission expiration date.
Who may use a notary's seal and journal?
Only the notary. The notary must keep the seal and journal under exclusive control and must not allow another person to use them.
How long is a PA notary commission valid?
A Pennsylvania notary public commission is valid for four years from the date of appointment.
What are the basic qualifications to become a PA notary?
An applicant must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and a resident of Pennsylvania (or employed in Pennsylvania).
Can a notary public delegate their notarial duties?
No, a notary public cannot delegate their notarial duties to anyone else; each notarial act must be performed personally by the commissioned notary.
What must a notary do before notarizing a foreign language document?
A notary may notarize a foreign language document only if they can read and understand the language, or if the signer provides a certified translator.
What is the primary duty of impartiality for a notary public?
A notary must remain impartial and neutral; they cannot have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction or the document being notarized.
How long must a notary retain and preserve the notary journal?
A notary must retain the official journal of notarial acts for at least seven years after the last entry, then may destroy it.
Can a notary charge fees for notarial services in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but the fee must be reasonable and disclosed to the signer; Pennsylvania does not set a maximum fee, but notaries cannot charge excessive or unauthorized fees.
What happens if a notary loses their journal or seal?
A notary must immediately notify the Secretary of State of the loss or theft of the journal or seal, and request a replacement seal or journal from the Department of State.
Can a notary serve in multiple counties in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a notary commissioned in Pennsylvania can perform notarial acts anywhere in the state, regardless of which county issued the commission.
What is required on a notary's official seal impression?
The seal must include the notary's name, the words 'Notary Public,' the state name 'Pennsylvania,' and the commission expiration date.
Can a notary refuse to notarize for someone they know personally?
Yes, a notary may refuse to notarize for someone they know personally, as personal relationships can create potential conflicts of interest.
What documentation must a notary review before notarizing?
A notary must carefully review the entire document, verify the signer's identity with acceptable ID, and ensure the signer understands and willingly signs the document.
Are Pennsylvania notaries permitted to notarize their own signature?
No, a notary cannot notarize their own signature; another commissioned notary must perform the notarization on the notary's own documents.
What is the difference between a loose certificate and an attached certificate?
An attached certificate is part of the notarized document itself; a loose or separate certificate is a standalone notarial certificate on separate paper that references the original document.
Can a notary public perform notarial acts online or electronically in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania allows remote notarization for electronic documents when the signer appears via videoconference and meets specified security requirements.
What is a prohibited act for a PA notary public?
Prohibited acts include notarizing when the signer is not present, using another person's seal, failing to keep a journal, and certifying or attesting to facts not within the notary's knowledge.
What are the consequences for a notary who violates their duties?
A notary who commits fraud, misconduct, or violates state law may face criminal charges, fines, revocation of commission, and civil liability for damages.
Can a notary provide a photocopy of an original document as a certified true copy?
Yes, a notary can certify that a photocopy is a true and accurate copy of the original, provided they compare the photocopy to the original document.
What must a notary do if they receive conflicting instructions from both parties?
A notary must clarify the instructions with both parties and refuse the notarization if the conflict cannot be resolved; the notary's role is to verify signatures, not to resolve disputes.
Pennsylvania Notary glossary
The Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam is a required examination that candidates must pass to become a commissioned notary public. It is administered by the Department of State's examination vendor, Pearson VUE, costs $65 per test, and must be passed within six months of authorization to sit for it.
26 terms the Pennsylvania Notary tests, defined in plain English.
- Acknowledgment
- A notarial act in which the signer declares before the notary that the signature is genuine and was made willingly; the signer need not sign in the notary's presence and takes no oath.
- Affiant
- A person who makes an oath or affirmation before a notary and signs a document containing statements they swear or affirm are true. The affiant is responsible for the truthfulness of the statements in the sworn document.
- Affidavit
- A written statement made under oath or affirmation before a notary, where the affiant swears the facts in the document are true. Affidavits are commonly used in legal proceedings, financial transactions, and credential verification.
- Affirmation
- A non-religious alternative to an oath in which a signer solemnly promises to tell the truth, subject to perjury penalties. An affirmation carries the same legal weight as an oath and may be used by those who object to oath-taking on religious or philosophical grounds.
- Commission
- The official authorization granted by the Pennsylvania Department of State that permits a person to act as a notary public. A commission lasts four years and must be renewed after expiration to continue practicing as a notary.
- Conflict of Interest
- A situation where a notary has a personal or financial relationship with a party to the transaction that could bias their judgment. Pennsylvania law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents when they are named as a beneficiary or have a direct financial stake in the outcome.
- Copy Certification
- A notarial act where the notary certifies that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction of the document presented. The notary compares the copy to the original and attests to its accuracy.
- Disqualifying (Beneficial) Interest
- A direct financial or beneficial stake in a transaction that bars a notary from performing the act; a notary must not notarize a document to which they are a party or in which they have such an interest.
- Duty to Refuse
- The notary's obligation to decline a notarization when the signer appears coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified.
- Exclusive Control
- The notary's obligation to keep the seal and journal solely in their own possession and never allow another person to use them.
- Identification Verification
- The notary's process of confirming the signer's identity before performing a notarial act, typically through government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport. Proper identification protects against fraud and is required for every notarization.
- Impartiality
- The notary's duty to remain a neutral, unbiased witness to a signing, favoring no party to the transaction.
- Jurat
- A notarial act, used for affidavits and sworn statements, in which the signer must sign in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements are true.
- Notarial Act
- Any formal transaction performed by a notary public, such as administering oaths, certifying signatures, notarizing documents, or verifying copies. Each act must be recorded in the notary's journal and executed in compliance with Pennsylvania law.
- Notary Journal
- The official chronological record in which a notary logs each act, including the date and time, type of act, type of document, name and address of each signer, and the method used to identify the signer.
- Notary Public
- A public officer commissioned by the state to serve as an impartial witness to document signings and to help deter fraud.
- Oath
- A solemn promise by a signer to tell the truth, made in the name of or by placing hand on a religious text (if religious), that invokes divine sanction for falsehood. An oath is administered by the notary before the signer swears a document is truthful.
- Official Seal
- The notary's stamp that typically shows the notary's name, the words "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and the commission expiration date.
- Pearson VUE
- The examination vendor authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of State to administer the notary public examination. Pearson VUE manages test scheduling, proctoring, and results delivery for all Pennsylvania notary exam candidates.
- Personal Appearance
- The requirement that the signer be physically present before the notary at the time of the notarization; a notary may not notarize the signature of an absent signer.
- Principal
- The person on whose behalf a notarial act is performed—the signer of the document or the person making an oath before the notary. The notary's responsibility is to verify the principal's identity and willingness or authority to sign.
- Satisfactory Evidence of Identity
- A means of positively identifying a signer through personal knowledge or reliable proof such as a current government-issued identification document.
- Seal (or Notary Seal)
- The official embossed or stamped mark affixed to notarized documents by the notary, which includes the notary's name, Pennsylvania notary commission number, and other required information. The seal authenticates the notary's authority and acts performed.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- Conduct barred to a non-attorney notary, including giving legal advice, charging fees for legal advice, or preparing legal documents for others.
- Unauthorized Practice of Notary
- The illegal performance of notarial acts by someone who lacks a valid commission, or a notary exceeding the scope of their authority—such as providing legal advice, creating or drafting documents, or notarizing outside of Pennsylvania. Violations can result in fines and criminal penalties.
- Venue
- The location stated in the notarial certificate indicating where and when the notarial act took place. The venue must show the county and state, and the notary can only notarize documents while they are physically present in Pennsylvania during their commission.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pass an exam to become a notary public in Pennsylvania, and what does it cost?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires you to pass an examination to become a notary public. The exam is administered by the Department of State's examination vendor, Pearson VUE, and costs $65 per test. Once you are authorized to sit for the exam, you have a six-month window to pass it. Because you pay per attempt, budgeting time to study before your first sitting can save you the retest fee.
What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?
These are two of the most commonly tested notarial acts. In an acknowledgment, the signer appears before the notary and declares that the signature is genuine and was made willingly; the signer does not have to sign in the notary's presence and takes no oath. In a jurat, by contrast, the signer must sign the document in the notary's presence and take an oath or affirmation that the statements in the document are true — jurats are used for affidavits and sworn statements. The practical exam takeaway: a jurat always involves both an in-person signature and an oath, while an acknowledgment involves neither.
When must a Pennsylvania notary refuse to perform a notarization?
A notary must refuse to perform a notarization if the signer appears to be coerced, does not understand the transaction, or cannot be properly identified. To identify a signer, the notary must rely on personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence such as a current government-issued identification document. The signer must also be physically present at the time of notarization — a notary may not notarize a signature otherwise. And a notary must never notarize a document to which the notary is a party or in which the notary has a direct financial or beneficial interest. On the exam, watch for scenarios combining these red flags: an absent signer, a pressured signer, or a notary standing to benefit are all grounds to decline.
What do I need to record in my notary journal, and what goes on my seal?
For each notarial act, the journal records the date and time of the act, the type of act, the type of document, the name and address of each signer, and the method used to identify the signer. Your official seal typically includes your name, the words "Notary Public," the commissioning state, and your commission expiration date. Both tools must be kept under your exclusive control — you must never allow another person to use them. Because the journal captures who signed, when, and how they were identified, it is your primary evidence if a notarization is ever challenged, which is why exclusive control matters so much.
Official sources
Primary documents used to verify the exam details shown on this page.
- Notary Examination RequirementPennsylvania Department of Statepa.gov
- Notaries — Application InformationPennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislationpa.gov
- Pennsylvania Notary — OnVUE Online TestingPearson VUEpearsonvue.com
- Pennsylvania Notary Exam — Scheduling and RegistrationPearson VUEpearsonvue.com
- Notaries — Mandatory Education RequirementPennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislationpa.gov
- Notaries — Examination RequirementPennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislationpa.gov
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