Becoming a notary public in Pennsylvania is a powerful move—but it’s not a license to wing it. In fact, most first-time notaries unknowingly make critical errors that can cost them time, income, and even their commission.
Let’s break down the most common rookie mistakes and how to avoid them like a pro from day one.
1. Confusing “Appointed” with “Commissioned”
Just because you’ve been appointed doesn’t mean you can notarize yet. You’re not authorized until you’ve:
- Obtained your bond
- Taken the oath
- Filed your signature with the prothonotary’s office
🛑 Don’t notarize a thing until you complete all 3 steps. Doing so is illegal—even if you “thought” you were cleared.
2. Letting Your Education Certificate Expire
You only have 6 months from the date you complete your notary education course to apply to the state. If you miss the window, you’ll need to retake the course and pay again.
💡 Tip: Apply within 1–2 weeks of finishing the course to stay in compliance and on track.
3. Not Pricing Their Services Properly
Many notaries think they’re “stuck” charging $5–$15 per signature. But in Pennsylvania, you can legally charge travel fees, courier fees, after-hours premiums, and more—as long as you disclose it.
🧠 Want help pricing your services right? Download the PA Notary Appointment Guide below—it includes a fee structure cheat sheet.
4. Skipping the Bond or Filing it Incorrectly
Your $10,000 surety bond isn’t optional—it’s required to be filed with the state to complete your commissioning process.
Some new notaries purchase the bond but forget to file it with the Recorder of Deeds. Others buy a bond from a provider not approved in PA. Both are costly missteps.
5. Forgetting the Journal and Stamp Rules
<
p style=”color:#000000;”>Your journal must be:
- Bound and sequential if physical
- Tamper-proof if electronic
And your stamp must follow RULONA guidelines down to the exact border size. Don’t grab a random stamp online—get your supplies from trusted providers.
6. Trying to Notarize Outside of PA
If you’re a commissioned notary in PA, you can only perform notarial acts within state lines. Doing so in another state—even “just over the bridge”—is illegal and can get your commission revoked.
7. Offering Legal Advice (Even by Accident)
You’re not a lawyer—and you don’t want to be mistaken for one. Never suggest what type of notarization someone needs or explain what a document “means.”
If you’re bilingual, it’s even more important to make this clear to non-English speakers. Translation ≠ legal advice.
📥 Want to Avoid All of These? Start with the PA Notary Appointment Guide
Download the free PA Notary Appointment Guide—your step-by-step roadmap to becoming compliant, confident, and cashflow-ready as a new or renewing notary.
🎓 Want the Full System? Go Pro with the Notary Course
Our state-approved Pennsylvania Notary Course includes everything you need to pass the exam, avoid costly mistakes, and launch a profitable notary business.
Bonus: You’ll get our full guide “Cashflow from Car Titles”—perfect if you’re thinking about adding auto tags and registration services.
🎓 Enroll in the Notary Course + Get “Cashflow from Car Titles” FREE
The Bottom Line
Mistakes don’t make you a bad notary—but ignoring them does. If you want to protect your commission, your money, and your reputation—get proactive.
Learn the rules. Build your reputation. Bank the income. You’re built for this.
