Pennsylvania Notary Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from illegal notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Pennsylvania
- Regulating Body: The Pennsylvania Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $25,000
- Premium Price: $50–$130 based on E&O coverage
What Is a Pennsylvania Notary Bond?
A Pennsylvania notary bond ensures that notaries follow the law and act ethically. All notaries public in Pennsylvania need a $25,000 surety bond. By filing this surety bond, you agree to perform all duties as required by law. The bond protects your clients if you fail to do so.
How Much Do Notary Bonds Cost?
Pennsylvania notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $50 for four years of coverage.
Want extra protection? Add on optional errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for just $40–$80 more. Buy your bond in minutes.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
Bond and E&O Requirements for Pennsylvania Notaries
All notaries in Pennsylvania need a $25,000 surety bond and can choose optional E&O coverage. Here’s how they work together:
- Surety Bond: Can reimburse clients for notary malpractice or serious professional mistakes
- E&O Insurance: Protects a notary if a client takes legal action due to accidental errors or omissions
Put simply: the notary bond protects your clients while E&O insurance protects you.
How to Get Your Notary Bond
You can get your Pennsylvania notary bond in minutes using the form on this page. It only takes three steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option
- Enter your name and address
- Provide payment details
We’ll email you the bond right after you check out. If you don’t see the bond in 5–10 minutes, please check your junk folder.
How Does a Notary Bond Work?
When you file a Pennsylvania notary bond, you enter a legally-binding contract with two other parties.
- Principal: You, the bonded notary public
- Obligee: The Pennsylvania Secretary of State
- Surety: Us, the issuing surety provider
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If a claim is valid, the surety reimburses the damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Notary Bond?
The bond runs concurrently with the notary's commission. If the notary public surety bond needs to be canceled, the surety company must give the Department of State at least 30 days' notice.
We’ll send out helpful reminders during the renewal period. Just pay the renewal premium and we’ll issue a bond form for the next term.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
If the Department of State requests any changes to your notary surety bond documentation, contact your surety provider. You can reach us at [email protected] with the change request.
When possible, we issue free bond rider forms to amend existing bond forms.
How to Become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania SoS’ Bureau of Notaries, Commissions, and Legislation enforces notary commission requirements for notaries public.
To become a Pennsylvania notary public, you must meet the following requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Live or work in Pennsylvania
- Be fluent in English
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions or prior sanctions
- Complete 3 hours of approved notary education
- Pass the Pearson VUE examination
Learn detailed steps on How to Become a Pennsylvania Public Notary by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
