What changed with Pennsylvania notary law in March 2026?

The March 28, 2026 RULONA overhaul brought several significant changes: the surety bond increased from $10,000 to $25,000 for new and reappointed notaries; the official stamp format now requires a 7-digit commission ID number; journals cannot contain SSNs or full driver's license numbers; RON fees are capped at $20; and notaries must provide itemized receipts for all fees charged.

How much can a Pennsylvania notary charge?

Pennsylvania caps standard notarial acts (acknowledgments, oaths, verifications) at $5 per act. Electronic and remote online notarial acts are capped at $20. Travel fees are separate and must be agreed upon in advance. Notaries must provide itemized receipts for all fees under the March 2026 RULONA rules.

What is the 45-day deadline for Pennsylvania notaries?

Within 45 days of appointment, all Pennsylvania notaries must record their bond, commission, and oath of office with the Recorder of Deeds in their county of office. Missing this deadline voids the commission — the notary must reapply from scratch, including retaking the exam.

Can I use a Pennsylvania notary for remote online notarization?

Yes. Pennsylvania has authorized RON since October 29, 2020. The notary must have applied for e-notary authorization with the Department of State, use a state-approved RON platform, and be physically located in Pennsylvania during the session.

Do I need to retake the notary exam when I renew my Pennsylvania commission?

Not if you renew before your commission expires. Renewing notaries who apply on time must complete 3 hours of continuing education but are exempt from the Pearson VUE exam. If your commission lapses, you must reapply as a new notary — including the exam and full $25,000 bond.

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States · Pennsylvania

Find a Notary in Pennsylvania

Verified notaries across all 67 Pennsylvania counties — from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, Allentown, and communities across the Keystone State.

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Why Use NPA Notary Finder in Pennsylvania?

NPA Notary Finder connects you with verified Pennsylvania notaries who meet current state standards.

County-Recorded Commissions

Pennsylvania notaries must record their bond, commission, and oath of office with the Recorder of Deeds in their county within 45 days of appointment. Every notary in our directory has cleared this rigorous county-level qualification process.

Updated for 2026 RULONA Regulations

Pennsylvania's RULONA overhaul effective March 28, 2026 brought major changes — new stamp format, journal privacy rules, updated fee schedule, and a $25,000 bond requirement. Our directory reflects current commission status.

RON-Authorized Notaries

Pennsylvania has authorized RON since October 2020. Find notaries who have registered for e-notary authorization and use state-approved RON platforms in our directory.

Statewide Coverage

From Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley to Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Scranton, and rural Pennsylvania, we list notaries across all 67 counties.

What Do Pennsylvania Residents Need Notarized?

Pennsylvania residents rely on notaries for a wide range of personal, business, and legal documents.

Real Estate Closings

Pennsylvania's active real estate market — particularly in the Philadelphia suburbs, Pittsburgh metro, and Lehigh Valley — drives high demand for deed notarizations, mortgage signings, and refinance closings.

Healthcare & Medical Documents

Pennsylvania's major healthcare systems — UPMC, Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine — generate demand for notarized healthcare directives, powers of attorney for healthcare, and living wills.

Financial & Insurance Services

Pennsylvania's large insurance and financial services sector — anchored in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — requires notarized corporate resolutions, investment agreements, and regulatory filings.

Energy & Natural Gas Documents

Pennsylvania is the second-largest natural gas producing state. Marcellus Shale drilling in the north-central and western regions requires notarized mineral leases, royalty agreements, and pipeline easements.

Estate Planning & Probate

Powers of attorney, living wills, and estate documents require proper notarization under Pennsylvania law. The new RULONA rules strengthen journal requirements for these sensitive documents.

Immigration Documents

Pennsylvania's substantial immigrant communities — particularly in Philadelphia, Reading, and Allentown — create consistent demand for notarized affidavits and immigration support documents.

Education & University Documents

Pennsylvania's dense network of colleges and universities -- including Penn State, Temple, Drexel, and Carnegie Mellon -- generates demand for notarized enrollment documents, research agreements, and international student affidavits.

Veterans & Military Documents

Pennsylvania's large veteran population and multiple National Guard installations create steady demand for notarized VA benefit documents, discharge papers, and military powers of attorney.

How It Works

1
Search by Location or Document Type
Enter your city, zip code, or county — or search by what you need notarized. Our smart directory surfaces the most relevant notaries for your situation.
2
Review Verified Profiles
Each listing shows the notary's commission number, expiration date, service area, specialties, mobile availability, languages spoken, and client reviews.
3
Contact Your Notary Directly
Reach out through the notary's profile to confirm availability, ask about fees (Pennsylvania caps notary fees at $5 per act in-person and $25 per act for RON; travel fees are separate.), and schedule your appointment.
4
Meet for Your Signing
All Pennsylvania notarizations require the signer to appear in person before the notary. Your notary will verify your identity, complete the notarial certificate, and record the act in their official journal.
5
Leave a Review
Help the next Pennsylvania signer find a great notary by leaving a review on your notary's profile. Your feedback strengthens the community.

Pennsylvania Notary Law: Key Facts

Here's what Pennsylvania signers should know about state notary requirements before an appointment.

Bond Increased to $25,000 (March 28, 2026)

Pennsylvania's surety bond requirement increased from $10,000 to $25,000 effective March 28, 2026 as part of the state's RULONA overhaul. Notaries with commissions already active on that date may keep their $10,000 bond until expiration; all new and reappointed notaries must obtain the $25,000 bond.

Commission Term: 4 Years

Pennsylvania notary commissions are valid for four years. Renewing notaries who apply before expiration do not need to retake the Pearson VUE exam. Lapsed commissions require full reapplication including the exam.

County Recording Required (45-Day Deadline)

Within 45 days of appointment, Pennsylvania notaries must record their bond, commission, and oath of office with the Recorder of Deeds in their county. Missing this 45-day window voids the commission entirely — the notary must reapply from scratch.

Fee Cap: $5 Standard / $20 RON

Pennsylvania caps notary fees at $5 for acknowledgments, oaths, and other standard acts. Electronic and remote online notarial acts are capped at $20. Notaries must provide itemized receipts for all fees — a new RULONA requirement effective March 2026.

Must Display Fee Schedule

Pennsylvania requires notaries to post or advise clients of their fee schedule. This is one of a small number of states with this explicit requirement.

RON Authorized Since October 2020

Pennsylvania authorized RON under Act 97 of 2020. Notaries must apply for separate e-notary authorization, use a state-approved platform, and be physically in Pennsylvania during the session.

Trusted Across Pennsylvania

NPA Notary Finder connects Pennsylvania residents and businesses with commission-verified notary professionals — trusted for real estate closings, estate planning, business documents, and more.

"Philadelphia loan signing agent met us at the title office on a Sunday closing. Excellent."

"Found a Pittsburgh mobile notary on short notice for a refinance. Lifesaver."

"Our Harrisburg title office relies on NPA for every after-hours signing across central PA."

"Notary in Allentown came to the hospital for an advance directive. Compassionate and patient."

Frequently Asked Questions by Pennsylvania Signers About Notary Services

Are You a Pennsylvania Notary?

Join the NPA Notary Finder directory and put your commission to work. Clients searching for notaries in your county will find your verified profile — no cold calling, no marketing budget required.

For Notaries

Create your free profile with your commission number, service area, specialties, and availability. Get found by clients searching your county. Mobile notaries and loan signing agents especially benefit from local search visibility.

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For Businesses

Title companies, law firms, hospitals, financial institutions, and property managers — NPA Notary Finder helps you build a trusted bench of local notaries for ongoing or urgent signing needs. Add preferred notaries to your business account and streamline your closing workflow.

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Become a Notary

Not commissioned yet? Becoming a Pennsylvania notary public is a rewarding way to earn extra income, serve your community, and add a respected credential to your career. Learn the Pennsylvania requirements, training, exam, and application steps to get started.

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Find a Notary in Your Pennsylvania County

Signers from all 67 Pennsylvania counties use NPA Notary Finder. Select your county to see local notary listings, mobile availability, and commission details.

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