Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam: 200 Questions with Correct
Answers & Detailed Explanations | 2026-2027 Update | A+
Grade Study Guide
Section 1: Notary Public Fundamentals (Questions 1–25)
1. What is the primary function of a notary public in Pennsylvania?
A. To provide legal advice to clients
B. To serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and administer oaths
C. To prepare legal documents for clients
D. To represent clients in court
Answer: B. To serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and
administer oaths
Explanation: The primary function of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to
the signing of documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other duties
authorized by law. Notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice or representing
clients in court.
2. Which Pennsylvania government entity is responsible for commissioning
notaries public?
A. Pennsylvania Department of State
B. Pennsylvania Department of Justice
,C. Pennsylvania Supreme Court
D. Pennsylvania General Assembly
Answer: A. Pennsylvania Department of State
Explanation: The Pennsylvania Department of State, through its Bureau of Commissions,
Elections, and Legislation, is responsible for commissioning notaries public. The
department processes applications, issues commissions, and maintains records of
notaries.
3. How long is the term of a Pennsylvania notary public commission?
A. 2 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B. 4 years
Explanation: A Pennsylvania notary public commission is valid for a term of 4 years.
Notaries must renew their commission before expiration to continue performing notarial
acts.
4. What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in
Pennsylvania?
A. 18 years
B. 21 years
,C. 25 years
D. No minimum age
Answer: A. 18 years
Explanation: Applicants for a Pennsylvania notary commission must be at least 18 years
of age, be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, and be a resident
of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment or business in Pennsylvania.
5. Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a notary public in
Pennsylvania?
A. Passing the notary exam
B. Completion of a notary education course
C. Background check
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: To become a notary in Pennsylvania, applicants must complete a notary
education course, pass the notary exam, undergo a background check, and submit an
application with the required fee. These requirements ensure that notaries understand
their duties and responsibilities.
6. What is the penalty for acting as a notary public without a valid commission in
Pennsylvania?
, A. A fine only
B. A fine and possible imprisonment
C. Suspension of notary privileges
D. No penalty
Answer: B. A fine and possible imprisonment
Explanation: Acting as a notary without a valid commission is a misdemeanor offense in
Pennsylvania. Penalties can include fines and possible imprisonment. Individuals who
perform notarial acts without authority may also face civil liability.
7. Which of the following is a requirement for the notary seal in Pennsylvania?
A. Must be an embossing seal
B. Must be a rubber stamp
C. Must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, and "Notary Public"
D. Both A and C
Answer: C. Must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, and
"Notary Public"
Explanation: Pennsylvania law requires the notary seal (rubber stamp) to include the
notary's name exactly as it appears on the commission, the words "Notary Public," the
county of commission, and the commission expiration date. Embossing seals may be
used but are not required.
8. What must a notary do when changing their name during their commission
term?
Answers & Detailed Explanations | 2026-2027 Update | A+
Grade Study Guide
Section 1: Notary Public Fundamentals (Questions 1–25)
1. What is the primary function of a notary public in Pennsylvania?
A. To provide legal advice to clients
B. To serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and administer oaths
C. To prepare legal documents for clients
D. To represent clients in court
Answer: B. To serve as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and
administer oaths
Explanation: The primary function of a notary public is to serve as an impartial witness to
the signing of documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other duties
authorized by law. Notaries are prohibited from providing legal advice or representing
clients in court.
2. Which Pennsylvania government entity is responsible for commissioning
notaries public?
A. Pennsylvania Department of State
B. Pennsylvania Department of Justice
,C. Pennsylvania Supreme Court
D. Pennsylvania General Assembly
Answer: A. Pennsylvania Department of State
Explanation: The Pennsylvania Department of State, through its Bureau of Commissions,
Elections, and Legislation, is responsible for commissioning notaries public. The
department processes applications, issues commissions, and maintains records of
notaries.
3. How long is the term of a Pennsylvania notary public commission?
A. 2 years
B. 4 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: B. 4 years
Explanation: A Pennsylvania notary public commission is valid for a term of 4 years.
Notaries must renew their commission before expiration to continue performing notarial
acts.
4. What is the minimum age requirement to become a notary public in
Pennsylvania?
A. 18 years
B. 21 years
,C. 25 years
D. No minimum age
Answer: A. 18 years
Explanation: Applicants for a Pennsylvania notary commission must be at least 18 years
of age, be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, and be a resident
of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment or business in Pennsylvania.
5. Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a notary public in
Pennsylvania?
A. Passing the notary exam
B. Completion of a notary education course
C. Background check
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: To become a notary in Pennsylvania, applicants must complete a notary
education course, pass the notary exam, undergo a background check, and submit an
application with the required fee. These requirements ensure that notaries understand
their duties and responsibilities.
6. What is the penalty for acting as a notary public without a valid commission in
Pennsylvania?
, A. A fine only
B. A fine and possible imprisonment
C. Suspension of notary privileges
D. No penalty
Answer: B. A fine and possible imprisonment
Explanation: Acting as a notary without a valid commission is a misdemeanor offense in
Pennsylvania. Penalties can include fines and possible imprisonment. Individuals who
perform notarial acts without authority may also face civil liability.
7. Which of the following is a requirement for the notary seal in Pennsylvania?
A. Must be an embossing seal
B. Must be a rubber stamp
C. Must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, and "Notary Public"
D. Both A and C
Answer: C. Must include the notary's name, commission expiration date, and
"Notary Public"
Explanation: Pennsylvania law requires the notary seal (rubber stamp) to include the
notary's name exactly as it appears on the commission, the words "Notary Public," the
county of commission, and the commission expiration date. Embossing seals may be
used but are not required.
8. What must a notary do when changing their name during their commission
term?
