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Notary Public Licensing in Pennsylvania

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Accountancy Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,120 median (2% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Accountancy Board and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $49,120, Notary Publics in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $48,360. Pennsylvania ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$49,120

Hourly estimate

$23.62
2% above national median

Difference: +$760

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$33,900
  • P2525th percentile$41,520
  • P50Median$49,120
  • P7575th percentile$57,570
  • P9090th percentile$66,520

State vs National Median

State: $49,120
National: $48,360

Total employment: 2,980 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$49,120Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$50,210No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$53,940Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Delaware$51,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$60,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$49,650Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Ohio$46,470Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Pennsylvania56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Delaware56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Accountancy Board

P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649

Phone: 7177831404

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$95,640Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$57,450Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$77,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$92,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Notary Publics in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.

What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Pennsylvania?

The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Pennsylvania.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Pennsylvania is $49,120. Salaries range from $33,900 (10th percentile) to $66,520 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $49,120.

How many Notary Publics work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 2,980 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Pennsylvania from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Accountancy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Accountancy/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Pennsylvania?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.