The Pennsylvania Public Application form serves as a comprehensive document designed for individuals aspiring to become notaries public in the state of Pennsylvania. It outlines the necessary steps, fees, and educational requirements mandated by the Department of State to ensure applicants are duly prepared and qualified for their roles. The form is a critical tool not only for new applicants but also for those seeking to renew their commission, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and timeliness in the submission process.
The Pennsylvania Public Application form serves as a vital tool for those seeking to obtain or renew their commission as Notary Publics within the state. This comprehensive form, revised and effective as of January 5, 2015, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation, requires applicants to provide detailed personal, educational, and professional information. The application underscores the importance of honesty and accuracy, emphasizing that false statements can lead to the denial, suspension, or revocation of the Notary Public commission. Candidates are reminded to include a non-refundable fee of $40, payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to adhere to the state's Notary Public Law. This law mandates a three-hour state-approved education course for all applicants without an active commission on or before July 1, 2003. Furthermore, it outlines eligibility criteria, such as being over eighteen years of age, residing or being employed in Pennsylvania, and possessing good moral character. Notably, the form also stipulates that one must not have been convicted of felonies or certain offenses within the past five years to qualify. The procedure for submission and processing times, along with instructions for completing and returning the application, are clearly detailed to ensure applicants fully understand the requirements and steps involved in becoming a Notary Public in Pennsylvania.
NOTARI ES EQUI PMENT COMPANY 215 - 563 - 8190
SEAL PRESSES
LEGAL FORMS
APPLI CATI ON BLANKS EDUCATI ON SEMI NARS
2021 ARCH STREET
PHI LADELPHI A, PA 19103- 1491
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The following application should be completed and returned to our office with payment in the amount of $105.00 to NOTARIES EQUIPMENT COMPANY which will cover the following fees:
•PA Department of State Notary Public Application Fee………………………….…$40.00
•4-Year Notary Public Bond Premium………………………………..……...….….….$50.00
•Services and Miscellaneous Expenses……………………………………………….$15.00
You are welcome to return the application and fee to our office by Email, Fax or Mail:
EMAIL: info@mburrkeim.com FAX: 215-977-9386
MAIL: NOTARIES EQUIPMENT COMPANY
888-977-9386
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
If you did not have an active Commission on July 1, 2003, the Pennsylvania Notary Public Law requires you to complete a 3-hour State approved Notary Public Education course before your Commission can be renewed. Our seminar schedule is ONLINE for your reference. You may visit our website, listed below,
to complete the course online.
It is important that you do not delay. Your application must be submitted at least two months prior to the expiration of your current Commission for a timely renewal.
If there is any information or assistance desired at any time, please do not hesitate to call us at the above number.
NO MEMBERSHIP FEES • NO DUES • ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED US
Nam e on Com m ission: ______________________________________ Ex p. Dat e: ___________
Phone Num ber : (
) ______________ Em ail: ______________________________________
Applica t ion Fe e s $ 1 0 5 . 0 0
Cou r se & Applica t ion $ 1 6 4 . 0 0
( St a t e Fe e , Bon d Pr e m iu m & Se r v ice )
( Cou r se , St a t e Fe e , Bon d Pr e m iu m & Se r v ice )
Ty pe of Pa y m e n t :
Ch e ck
V isa
M a st e r Ca r d
D iscov e r
Ca r d h old e r ’s N a m e :
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
( Sa m e a s a b ov e )
Ca r d N u m be r : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ex p D a t e :_ _ _ / _ _ _
*****IMPORTANT*****
Although we check your application for correctness, it is your responsibility to make sure the application is completed accurately before returning it to us for processing.
www.notariesequipment.com
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Department of State
Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation
NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATION
Division of Commissions, Legislation and Notaries
(Revised 11/1/2014 and
210 North Office Building
effective 1/5/2015)
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Tel: (717) 787-5280 Web: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/notaries
PRINT OR TYPE CLEARLY. FILL OUT APPLICATION COMPLETELY. Do not leave any blanks.
Use “none” or “N/A” if applicable. An incomplete application will delay your appointment.
FEE: $40 – make check or money order payable to: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
CHECK ONE: New Appointment
Reappointment (have been a notary in Pennsylvania before)
Complete the following if you have ever been a notary in Pennsylvania before:
Notary commission expiration date
Full name on previous commission
Notary commission ID number
Other name used on previous commission
For Official Use Only
PART I: Applicant Information (NOTE: Employer/Business contact information will be public record)
First Name
Middle Name or Initial (if used)
Last Name
Suffix (if applicable)
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Social Security Number (xxx-xx-xxxx)
Email Address (Optional)
Name of Employer/Business where Notary Commission will be used (Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please indicate.)
Employer/Business Street Address (P.O. Box alone is insufficient)
City
State
Zip Code
Employer/Business Telephone (include area code)
Municipality (city/borough/township)
County
Home Street Address (P.O. Box alone is insufficient)
Home Telephone (include area code)
Part II: Education, Criminal History, Other Notary Commission History (Check or mark appropriate boxes)
YES (√)
NO (√)
I am a notary applicant for initial appointment or reappointment and I have completed a pre-approved three-hour notary public education course within the six-month period immediately preceding this application (unless permanently exempted). Attach a copy of your course completion certificate and retain your original. Lack of proof of education will result in application rejection.
Have you ever been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or lesser offense preceding the date of this application? If yes, attach full details (name of court, plea or conviction, sentence and length of probation) and appropriate supporting documents with a signed and dated personal explanation.
Have you ever resigned a notary commission or had a notary commission suspended, revoked or otherwise disciplined by the Commonwealth or any other state/jurisdiction preceding the date of this application? If yes, attach full details and appropriate supporting documents with a signed and dated personal explanation.
Have you ever had any other professional or occupational license suspended, revoked or otherwise disciplined?
If yes, attach full details and appropriate supporting documents with a signed and dated personal explanation.
Note that disclosing your social security number on this application is mandatory for the Department of State to comply with the requirements of the federal Social Security Act pertaining to child support enforcement, as implemented in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at 23 Pa. C.S. § 4304.1(a). To enforce domestic child support orders, the Commonwealth’s licensing
boards must provide to the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) information prescribed by DPW about the licensee, including the social security number.
APPLICANT AFFIDAVIT: I am of good moral character and am familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a notary public. I shall furnish additional evidence of these statements, if requested, which shall be satisfactory to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. To the best of my knowledge and belief, this application contains no misrepresentations or falsifications, omission or concealments of material fact and the information given by me is true and complete. I understand that any false statement made is subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities) and may result in the suspension, revocation, or denial of my notary commission.
_____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Applicant Signature (must match name in Part I)
Date
To qualify for appointment and commission as a Pennsylvania Notary Public, you:
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Must be a resident of Pennsylvania or be employed within this Commonwealth
Must be of good moral character and familiar with the duties of a notary public
Must have completed a pre-approved three-hour notary education course within the six-month period immediately preceding the application, unless permanently exempted (see Mandatory Education Requirement and Exemption below)
Must not have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a lesser offense incompatible with the duties of a notary public during the five-year period preceding the date of application [A felony conviction or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony OR a commission revocation in the Commonwealth or any other state within the five years prior to application will result in application rejection.]
The following persons are NOT eligible to hold the office of Notary Public:
Any person holding any judicial office in Pennsylvania, except the office of justice of the peace, magistrate or alderman.
Any member of the Congress of the United States, and any person, whether an officer, a subordinate officer or agent holding any office or appointment of profit or trust under the legislative, executive, or judicial departments of the government of the United States, to which a salary, fees or perquisites are attached.
Any member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.
Notary Public Application Procedures
General Instructions: This application must be TYPEWRITTEN or PRINTED legibly. Applications will be accepted only on the form approved for use by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This form may not be altered in any way. Do not send a copy of your completed form, only the original will be accepted. All answers are subject to investigation and false statements will be deemed as adequate grounds for rejection.
PART I: Use your full name as you would like it to appear on your commission. Nicknames will not be accepted. You may use any of the following: full first name and last name; full first name, middle initial and last name; full first name, full middle name and last name; first name initial, full middle name and last name. Your signature at the bottom of the application must match the full name printed in this section. Your commission will be prepared and issued in this name. If applicable, employer business information may be the same as home address information (i.e., home office).
PART II: Answer all questions. Where “yes” is checked, supply full details and appropriate supporting documents with a signed and dated personal explanation.
Completed applications for reappointment must be filed in this office AT LEAST TWO TO THREE MONTHS prior to the expiration of the current commission. Renewal applicants should allow AT LEAST ONE MONTH for processing after submitting a completed renewal application to the Department of State.
New appointees should allow AT LEAST FOUR TO SIX WEEKS for processing after submitting a completed application to the Department of State. If notice of appointment is not received within this time, inquiry should be sent to the address on the front of the application.
Filing Fee: Each application must be accompanied by a check or money order for $40.00, made payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” and mailed to 210 North
Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. The fee is non-refundable. Please note: the Secretary of the Commonwealth is authorized to revoke the notary public commission of a notary public who issues a personal insufficient funds check to the order of any State agency or the Commonwealth subject to the right of notice, hearing and adjudication and right of appeal.
Oath of Office, Bond, Recording: Upon appointment, the Secretary of the Commonwealth will send notice of appointment to the applicant, with further instructions and an official bond and oath form to be executed by the applicant. These materials will be sent to the applicant’s business address as provided on the application. The
applicant should record the commission, executed bond and oath form in the Recorder of Deeds in the county where their office is located. This must be completed within FORTY- FIVE (45) DAYS after the date of appointment or the commission becomes null and void. Extensions will not be given.
All correspondence from the Department of State concerning your notary public application, notice of appointment to office an d bond will be mailed to the employer/business address you have provided on your application. Your name, employer/business name,
employer/business address, employer/business telephone number and commissioning history will become public information. If you list your home address, “N/A” or “None” in the employer/business address section of the application, your home address and home
telephone number will become public information.
Mandatory Education Requirement and Exemption
The Notary Public Law, as amended by Act 151 of 2002 (effective July 1, 2003), requires that applicants for both initial appointment and reappointment as a notary public complete at least three hours of approved notary education within the six months immediately preceding their application for appointment or reappointment.
However, any applicant for reappointment who was appointed on or before July 1, 2003 and whose notary commission was in effect on July 1, 2003, is permanently exempted or “grandfathered” from the education requirement. In other words, all notaries public who held active commissions on July 1, 2003 are not
required to complete approved notary education upon their reappointment.
Excluded from the “grandfather clause” ruling are those notaries who: 1) received a letter of appointment or reappointment prior to July 1, 2003, but failed to obtain a bond and have the bond, the commission and oath recorded within the allotted 45 days; 2) resigned their commissions prior to July 1, 2003, and did not seek reappointment prior to July 1, 2003; 3) permitted their commissions to expire prior to July 1, 2003, and did not seek reappointment prior to July 1, 2003; and 4) had a commission revoked prior to July 1, 2003, as the result of a disciplinary action taken by the Department.
Filling out the Pennsylvania Public Application form is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is critical to ensure accuracy and compliance with the requirements. The following steps guide you through completing the form and what to do next. Prompt submission is advised, especially for timely renewals, to prevent any interruption in commission status.
After submitting your application, consider the following steps to ensure you are ready for the next stage in the process:
Efficient and accurate completion of the Pennsylvania Public Application form is the first step towards fulfilling your responsibilities as a notary public. Ensure all materials are submitted well in advance of any deadlines to secure your commission without delay.
What fees must I pay when submitting the Pennsylvania Notary Public Application form?
When submitting the Pennsylvania Notary Public Application form, you must include payment for several fees totaling $105.00. This includes the PA Department of State Notary Public Application Fee of $40.00, a 4-Year Notary Public Bond Premium of $50.00, and Services and Miscellaneous Expenses of $15.00.
How can I submit my Pennsylvania Notary Public Application form and fees?
The application and fees can be submitted by Email to info@mburrkeim.com, by Fax to 215-977-9386, or by Mail to NOTARIES EQUIPMENT COMPANY at 2021 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103.
Is there a mandatory education requirement for new or renewing notary public applicants in Pennsylvania?
Yes. If you did not have an active Commission on July 1, 2003, you are required to complete a 3-hour State approved Notary Public Education course before your Commission can be renewed. This is also a requirement for initial appointments. The seminar schedule is available online, and the course can be completed online as well.
When should I submit my notary public application for a timely renewal?
Your application must be submitted at least two months prior to the expiration of your current Commission to ensure a timely renewal process.
What is the total cost if I need to take the notary education course and apply for my commission?
The total cost for the course and application fees is $164.00. This includes the state fee, bond premium, and service expenses, in addition to the education course cost.
Are there any types of payments accepted for the application fee?
Yes, payments can be made by check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card. Ensure the cardholder’s name is clearly provided if paying by credit card.
What information must I provide on the application form?
You must fill out the application form completely, printing or typing clearly. Do not leave any blanks; use “none” or “N/A” where applicable. An incomplete application will cause delays. You need to provide personal information, including your name as it appears on your commission, expiry date of your current commission if applicable, phone number, and email address.
What is the significance of including my Social Security Number on the application?
Diclosing your Social Security Number is mandatory for compliance with the requirements of the federal Social Security Act related to child support enforcement as implemented in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It’s used by licensing boards to provide to the Department of Public Welfare information about the licensee, including their Social Security number.
What should I do if I don’t receive notice of my appointment within the expected time frame?
If you have not received notice of your appointment within six weeks for new appointees or one month for renewal applicants after submitting a completed application, you should inquire by sending a message to the address provided on the application form.
One common mistake is omitting information by leaving sections blank on the form. This form requires every field to be completed; if a section does not apply, individuals must write "none" or "N/A" to acknowledge the prompt.
Applicants often forget to type or print legibly. The application explicitly states that it must be either typewritten or printed legibly, as illegible applications can lead to processing delays or even rejection.
Many forget to sign the application with a signature that matches the name provided in Part I. Ensuring the signature matches is crucial for verification and processing purposes.
Another oversight is failing to include the payment of the required fee with the application. The fee is a vital part of the application process, and absent or incorrect payment amounts can halt the entire procedure.
Applicants sometimes miss attaching the mandatory education course completion certificate if they are applying for initial appointment or reappointment. This certificate is essential to prove the education requirement has been met.
Not thoroughly reading the instructions provided on the form leads to errors. These instructions are intended to guide applicants through the process, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Forgetting to check the box for either new appointment or reappointment can cause delays. It's important to clearly indicate the application type.
Some people mistakenly provide a P.O. Box as their only address, but the form requires a physical street address for both the home and employer/business locations.
There's a tendency to overlook the requirement for additional supporting documents when answering "yes" to questions in Part II regarding criminal history or disciplinary actions against professional licenses. These details are crucial for the application’s review process.
Finally, applicants fail to send the original document, opting to send copies instead. The original form is required for processing, and copies will not be accepted.
Common errors like these can lead to unnecessary delays or even the rejection of the notary public application. It's important for individuals to review their application thoroughly for accuracy and completeness before submission.
When preparing to submit a Pennsylvania Public Application form, especially in the context of notarial services, applicants may need to gather additional documents and forms. Understanding what these forms are and their purpose can streamline the application process. This list is designed to provide insight into some of the most commonly requested documents that accompany or are relevant to the Pennsylvania Public Application form.
These documents and forms play critical roles in ensuring notaries are qualified, prepared, and accountable. Gathering and understanding these materials before submitting the Pennsylvania Public Application form can significantly expedite the application or renewal process for notary public services.
The Pennsylvania Public Application form, used for notaries in the state, bears similarities with various other legal and official documents in terms of structure, content, and purpose. Understanding these parallels is crucial for professionals and individuals navigating the legal and administrative landscapes. Here’s a look at some of these documents:
Business License Applications: Just like the Pennsylvania Public Application form, business license applications often require detailed personal and professional information. Both set forms demand data such as contact details, identity verification, and, at times, background checks. Business license applications, like the Pennsylvania Public Application, may require the payment of fees and the submission of additional documentation to verify the information provided. The main goal of both is to ensure the credibility and qualifications of the applying individual or entity, safeguarding professional standards and public interest.
Professional Licensing Applications: Professional licenses—for careers in healthcare, law, real estate, and more—closely resemble the Pennsylvania Public Application in their thoroughness. Applicants must often provide extensive background information, including educational backgrounds, work history, and sometimes even fingerprints, similar to requirements for notaries. These applications also typically involve fee payments and tests or courses, just as notaries might need to complete education courses for certification or recertification. The primary intent behind such rigorous applications is to maintain professional standards within industries and protect consumers or clients.
Passport Applications: Surprisingly, the procedure and requirements for applying for a passport have quite a lot in common with the Pennsylvania Public Application form. Both applications necessitate accurate personal information, proof of identity, and a recent photo. They serve the purpose of verifying an individual's credentials for a specific privilege, be it international travel or notarizing documents. Moreover, both types of applications are subjected to official scrutiny to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure that the applicants meet all specified criteria.
When filling out the Pennsylvania Public Application form for Notary Public, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a comprehensive list of dos and don'ts to help you complete the form correctly:
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure that your Pennsylvania Notary Public Application is processed efficiently and without unnecessary delay. Remember, accuracy and attention to detail are key when completing any formal documentation.
When it comes to completing the Pennsylvania Public Application form, especially for notary public commissions, there are quite a few misconceptions floating around which can lead to confusion or even delay in processing. Understanding these misunderstandings can ensure a smoother application experience.
Many applicants think that emailing their application will result in quicker processing. However, the application must be filled out accurately and completely, regardless of the submission method. Speed entirely depends on the completeness and correctness of the application, not the submission method.
It's commonly misunderstood that every applicant must complete the education course for notary public commission renewal. In truth, applicants who had an active commission before July 1, 2003, are permanently exempt from this requirement. It's essential to know whether this exemption applies to you to save time and resources.
A common mistake is assuming that missing or incorrect details in the application can be quickly fixed post-submission. The application stresses the applicant's responsibility to ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. Errors or omissions can lead to significant delays in the processing of the application.
Some applicants mistakenly believe that the initial payment of $105 covers the cost of the mandatory education course. This fee only covers the Department of State Notary Public Application Fee, the 4-year Notary Public Bond Premium, and other miscellaneous expenses. The education course is an additional cost that needs to be factored in when budgeting for your commission or renewal.
Understanding these key points can help applicants navigate the process more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls that could delay their notary public commission.
When submitting the Pennsylvania Public Application form for a Notary Public, the applicant must ensure the form is completed in full and returned with the appropriate fee to the Notaries Equipment Company. The fees cover the PA Department of State Notary Public Application Fee, the 4-Year Notary Public Bond Premium, and Services and Miscellaneous Expenses, totaling $105.00.
The application can be submitted via Email, Fax, or Mail, with specific contact details provided for each submission method. It is encouraged not to delay the submission process, especially when seeking timely renewal of the Notary Commission, which requires submission at least two months prior to the current Commission's expiration.
Applicants who did not have an active Notary Commission on or before July 1, 2003, must complete a 3-hour State approved Notary Public Education course before their Commission can be renewed. This education requirement underscores the importance of being familiar with the duties and responsibilities associated with being a Notary Public.
It is crucial that the application is filled out accurately and entirely. An incomplete application can cause delays in the appointment process. The applicant bears the responsibility for the correctness of the information provided, although the application will be reviewed for accuracy.
Every applicant must fulfill specific qualifications to be appointed and commissioned as a Notary Public in Pennsylvania. These include being at least eighteen (18) years of age, being a resident of Pennsylvania or employed within the Commonwealth, and having a good moral character.
Any convictions, guilty pleas, or nolo contendere to felonies or lesser offenses might disqualify an individual from being commissioned, highlighting the importance of maintaining a record that aligns with the ethical standards expected of a Notary Public.
The application requires detailed personal and professional information, which will become public record. This includes the name of the employer or business where the Notary Commission will be used, along with their address and telephone number. Applicants should be cautious and precise when providing this information.
Mandatory education requirements are in place for both initial appointments and reappointments, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adherence to updated notarial laws and practices. This requirement, however, exempts those who were appointed before July 1, 2003, and whose commission was active on that date.
The social security number provided on the application is mandatory for compliance with the federal Social Security Act related to child support enforcement. This exemplifies the broader responsibilities and legal obligations that come with the Notary Public application and commissioning process.
Pa600l - Prospective applicants should provide detailed household income information to determine their eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP.
Same Day Birth Certificate Pa - Incorporates the necessity for reporting seizure disorders, ensuring safety protocols can be established.