After you have 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 are 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 can be found on the Department of Records service fees page. You can pay by cash, money order, business, or certified check. We do not accept personal checks, credit, or debit cards. Make checks payable to “City of Philadelphia.”
In person
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must be in Room 111 by 3:45 p.m. to have your commission recorded that day.
Department of Records
City Hall, Room 111
1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19107