PA Notary Law & Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum age to become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?
- 16 years of age
- 18 years of age (Correct answer)
- 21 years of age
- 25 years of age
Correct answer: 18 years of age
To be eligible for appointment as a Notary Public in Pennsylvania, an individual must meet several qualifications, including being at least 18 years of age. This age requirement ensures that notaries are considered legal adults capable of understanding and fulfilling the significant responsibilities of the office.
Question 2: What is the maximum amount of time to record the bond, oath of office, and commission at the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the notary maintains an office?
- 30 Days
- 45 Days (Correct answer)
- 60 Days
- 90 Days
Correct answer: 45 Days
In Pennsylvania, a newly commissioned Notary Public must record their bond, oath of office, and commission at the Recorder of Deeds in the county where their office is located. This crucial step must be completed within 45 days of their commission date, as failure to do so will result in the commission being void.
Question 3: Under RULONA (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), what is the required amount for a surety bond from an insurance company licensed in Pennsylvania?
- $5,000
- $10,000 (Correct answer)
- $15,000
- $20,000
Correct answer: $10,000
Under Pennsylvania's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), all Notaries Public are legally required to obtain a surety bond. This bond, mandated at $10,000, serves as a financial safeguard to protect the public from any potential damages or losses caused by the notary's misconduct or negligence during their official duties.
Question 4: What is the State of Pennsylvania's Notary Commission application fee?
- $25.00
- $35.00
- $42.00 (Correct answer)
- $50.00
Correct answer: $42.00
The application process to become a Notary Public in the State of Pennsylvania involves a non-refundable fee. As per the current regulations, the application fee for a Notary Commission is $42.00, which covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application and verifying eligibility.
Question 5: Who promulgates the rules and regulations under the Notary Act as per Chapter 3 Section 327(a)?
- PA Department of State (Correct answer)
- PA Department of Health
- PA Department of Revenue
- PA Department of Education
Correct answer: PA Department of State
In Pennsylvania, the Department of State is the governmental body entrusted with the oversight and regulation of Notaries Public. This includes the authority to promulgate the rules and regulations under the Notary Act, as specified in Chapter 3 Section 327(a), ensuring proper conduct, training, and adherence to legal standards for all notarial acts within the state.
Question 6: Who determines the fees that a Pennsylvania notary can charge for their services?
- Governor
- County Clerk
- State Department (Correct answer)
- Notary Association
Correct answer: State Department
The Pennsylvania Department of State is responsible for regulating notaries public, which includes setting the maximum fees they can charge for various notarial acts. This ensures uniformity and prevents notaries from overcharging the public for essential services. Notaries are required to adhere to these established fee schedules.
Question 7: Who is exempt from becoming a Pennsylvania Notary?
- Judicial Office
- Federal employee &/or appointed person who receives salary
- Any member of the General Assembly
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Pennsylvania notary law specifies certain individuals who are exempt from the general requirements for becoming a notary public. This includes those holding a judicial office, federal employees or appointed persons receiving a salary, and members of the General Assembly. These exemptions are typically in place due to the nature of their existing public service roles or potential conflicts of interest.
PA Notary Law & Regulations 1
What is the minimum age to become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?