Notary Public Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Pennsylvania Notary Commission

   Apply to the Pennsylvania Department of State for a 4-year notary commission. Must be a Pennsylvania resident, 18+, complete an approved 3-hour education course, pass an exam, and obtain a $10,000 bond.

   Official government source

   $42 (application fee) + course + bond·4–6 weeks

   $42 (application fee) + course + bond

   4–6 weeks

2. Pennsylvania Notary Bond ($10,000)

   Required for all Pennsylvania notaries. Must be filed with your county recorder of deeds.

   Official government source

   $30–$60 for 4 years·1–3 days

   $30–$60 for 4 years

   1–3 days

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   While not required in Pennsylvania, E&O insurance protects notaries from financial losses due to unintentional mistakes. Coverage of $25,000–$100,000 typically costs $40–$80/year. The National Notary Association offers bundled packages.

   $40–$80/year·Immediate

   $40–$80/year

   Immediate

1. Philadelphia Business License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business (notary signing agent services, mobile notary, etc.) in Philadelphia, you generally need a Business License from the city. If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate business license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $50–$200/year·1–3 weeks

   $50–$200/year

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Pennsylvania — Notary Public Requirements
• Pennsylvania Secretary of State

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