How Do You Become An Online Notary In Pennsylvania?
Once you have met all the requirements to become a traditional notary in Pennsylvania, you can apply to become an online notary by:
- Have an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Complete the Pennsylvania Electronic Notary Public Application.
- Submit your application to the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections and Notaries.
- You will receive an email from the Bureau letting you know of their approval.
- Log onto the Department of State’s website and select your provider.
- The State will notify your vendor of choice.
- Work with the vendor for setup and payment.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, eNotaries have been legal since 2017 in Pennsylvania. This legislation is in accordance with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN). It allows notaries to execute simple acknowledgments and jurats from anywhere in the world.
As long as you meet all the qualifications and become an officially appointed online notary public, your services are valid in the state of Pennsylvania.
What are the Basics?
- Be a legal resident or registered voter in Pennsylvania
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license or state ID
- Complete a six-hour commissioning course approved by the Secretary of State
- Pass the Pennsylvania Notary Exam
- Purchase your notary bond
- Register with the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notary Public
- Purchase and maintain an electronic notarization system if you are using one
- Participate in continuing education every four years
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Pennsylvania (Get your Notary Commission)
- Complete a three-hour approved education course.
- Fill out the online application form. You’ll need to attach your training certificate and pay the $42 fee. It might take a week or two to get a response.
- Complete the $65 exam. But make sure to follow the testing instructions carefully. If you pass, your score will be sent to the state.
- Receive an email with your Notice of Appointee letter and blank bond.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond from an authorized business in Pennsylvania
- Within 45 days of appointment, go to your county recorder of deeds to take your Oath of Office.
- Register your signature with the prothonotary of your county.
- Receive your commission certificate and wallet card from the recorder of deeds.
- Buy a Notary seal and journal.
Once you’re commissioned in Pennsylvania, you’re good to go, but there will be future requirements. You’ll have to do four hours of continuing education every two years in order to keep your commission active (both traditional and electronic). Staying up to date with the latest laws is a best practice in eNotarization!
Why Should You Consider Becoming An Online Notary In PA?
Becoming an eNotary is an easy way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients. eNotaries offer faster booking and easier document completion! So what are you waiting for?
What to Expect?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations.
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly completed and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. Additionally, the most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling.
How Much Can You Expect To Make?
When you create an account with Blue Notary to get started, you can expect to earn around $25 for online notarizations. As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signing packages. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary also has the option for you to Invoice Your Clients Outside of BlueNotary at your rates for their Pro-Hybrid members. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
How do I Start?
Join the BlueNotary Notary Mastermind Group in order to get advice from PA notaries! They’ve been through the process and can answer all your questions! As well as keep you compliant with your S.O.S. Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community.
As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients. BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process. Want more? Try our Facebook group full of notaries!
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
