Pennsylvania Notary Public Law and RULONA Fundamentals
The governing statute
Pennsylvania notaries are governed by the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), enacted in 2018, which replaced the older Notary Public Law and is administered by the Department of State. Many exam distractors are built on outdated assumptions-county appointment, lifetime commissions-so recognize them as traps.
Commission basics
A notary is commissioned by the Secretary of State for a four-year term and may act anywhere in the Commonwealth; authority is statewide, not county-limited. To be appointed, an applicant must be at least 18, be a Pennsylvania resident or a Pennsylvania-licensed attorney, complete the required pre-approval course and examination, clear a criminal background review, and file a $10,000 surety bond with the Department. Continuing education applies at renewal for nonattorneys. A notary is not a state employee and draws no salary-statutory fees are the compensation.
Traps examiners use
- "A notary may notarize only in the county of appointment." Wrong; jurisdiction is statewide.
- "The commission lasts for life." Wrong; four years, and acts performed after expiration are invalid.
- "No training or bond is needed." Wrong; course, exam, bond, and background check are prerequisites.
- "Moving or marrying doesn't matter." Name and address changes must be reported, and bond coverage must stay in force.
Rule of thumb
Before any act, confirm three things: a valid unexpired commission, an active bond, and that you are physically in Pennsylvania. If you cannot confirm all three, decline and explain why.
Why it matters
Commission defects void the notarial act and expose the notary to discipline, so questions about eligibility, term length, and bond are high-yield.