Notary Public Surety Bond in Pennsylvania

What this bond requires in Pennsylvania

Within 45 days of appointment under 57 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3 (RULONA), a notary must execute the surety bond and record it - along with the oath of office and signature - with the recorder of deeds of the county where the notary maintains an office. The required bond was $10,000 historically but is $25,000 for all notaries newly appointed or reappointed on or after March 28, 2026. A notary may only perform notarial acts while a valid bond is on file.

Who requires it

The notary public surety bond is required by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation - Notary Public Division under 57 Pa.C.S. § 301 et seq. (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts, Act 73 of 2013, as amended).

How to file in Pennsylvania

Following Department of State approval, the applicant secures a $25,000 four-year surety bond from a Pennsylvania-authorized surety, then within 45 days appears before the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the notary maintains an office to record the commission, bond, oath of office, and signature, paying the recording fees. The notary may not perform any notarial act until the bond is on file.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a notary public surety bond required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires notary public surety bonds issued by an admitted surety. The required amount is $10,000 to $25,000.

How much is the bond in Pennsylvania?

The bond amount is $10,000 to $25,000. Your annual premium is a small percentage of that, based on credit and experience.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation - Notary Public Division.

How is the bond filed?

Following Department of State approval, the applicant secures a $25,000 four-year surety bond from a Pennsylvania-authorized surety, then within 45 days appears before the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the notary maintains an office to record the commission, bond, oath of office, and signature, paying the recording fees. The notary may not perform any notarial act until the bond is on file.

What does the bond cover?

Surety bonds protect the obligee, not the principal. If you fail to meet the obligation the bond guarantees, the surety pays the claim and recovers from you.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects whoever required the bond. You repay the surety for any claim they pay.