PA Notary Application & Appointment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Pennsylvania?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
According to the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), an individual must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for a notary public commission in Pennsylvania.
Question 2: Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for a Pennsylvania notary applicant?
- Be a registered voter in Pennsylvania.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Pennsylvania. (Correct answer)
- Have a college degree.
Correct answer: Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Pennsylvania.
An applicant for a notary commission must either be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment or practice within the Commonwealth.
Question 3: How many hours of pre-approved notary education must a first-time applicant complete?
- 1 hour
- 3 hours (Correct answer)
- 6 hours
- No education is required for first-time applicants.
Correct answer: 3 hours
A new applicant for a notary public commission in Pennsylvania is required to complete a three-hour pre-approved basic education course within the six months immediately preceding their application.
Question 4: What is the standard term of a notary public commission in Pennsylvania?
- 2 years
- 4 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- For life, with good behavior
Correct answer: 4 years
A notary public commission in Pennsylvania is valid for a term of four years, beginning on the date of appointment.
Question 5: An applicant for a notary commission will be disqualified if they have been convicted of a felony or a lesser offense involving what?
- Any moving violation
- Disorderly conduct
- Fraud, dishonesty, or deceit (Correct answer)
- Any misdemeanor
Correct answer: Fraud, dishonesty, or deceit
The Department of State will deny an application if the applicant has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a lesser offense involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
Question 6: After passing the exam, to which entity does a prospective notary submit their application?
- The local county courthouse
- The Governor's office
- The Department of Revenue
- The Department of State (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The Department of State
The completed notary public application, along with the required fees and proof of education, is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of State for review and approval.
Question 7: A notary seeking reappointment must complete how many hours of continuing education?
- 1 hour every year
- 3 hours within six months of applying for reappointment (Correct answer)
- 6 hours over the four-year commission term
- No continuing education is required for reappointment
Correct answer: 3 hours within six months of applying for reappointment
A notary applying for reappointment must complete a three-hour continuing education course within the six months immediately preceding their application for reappointment.
What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in Pennsylvania?