After you’ve been appointed as a notary public by the PA Department of State, you must take the oath of office and record your oath, completed bond, and commission with the Department of Records.
You must do this within 45 days after the date you were appointed. Otherwise, your commission will be null and void.
As of September 1, 2024, you can register your signature with the Department of Records. You’re no longer required to register your signature with the Prothonotary’s Office.
Requirements
You must submit the following documents:
- Executed bond and oath form
- Power of attorney
- Copy of a valid photo ID
You must sign the bond in front of a witness. Sign in two locations: under the oath and on the opposite side where the bond is endorsed. The witness signs below that.
Cost
The fee to record a notary commission is on the Department of Records service fees. Accepted payment methods include:
- Cash.
- Money order.
- Debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express).
- Business or certified check.
There’s a 3.5% convenience fee for credit and debit cards. We don’t accept personal checks. Make checks and money orders payable to “City of Philadelphia.”
How
Visit the Department of Records with your required documents.
City Hall, Room 111
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.