How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Pennsylvania (2026)

Overview

Pennsylvania’s RON process is administered through the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation within the Department of State. Understanding that Pennsylvania uses “Department of State” rather than “Secretary of State” and charges a $42 RON license fee will prevent confusion when locating the correct application portal. Processing takes 2-4 weeks, and once licensed, Pennsylvania RON notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country.

Pennsylvania RON Law: What the Framework Requires

Pennsylvania’s RON requirements:

• Active Pennsylvania notary commission issued by the Department of State
• $10,000 surety bond required for the traditional commission (covers RON activities)
• Completion of an approved RON training course
• Separate RON license application submitted to and approved by the Department of State
• Use of a Department of State-approved RON technology platform
• Two-way real-time audio-visual communication for every remote session
• Identity verification using credential analysis and/or KBA
• Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
• Audio-visual recording retained per state requirements
• Remote notarial certificate language on all electronic certificates
• Per-notarization fee capped at $25

Pennsylvania’s $10,000 Bond Requirement

Pennsylvania requires a $10,000 surety bond as part of the notary commission application. This bond is higher than most states and covers notarial conduct including RON activities performed under the same commission. The bond is obtained through NNA, Notary Rotary, or other state-authorized bond providers before submitting the commission application. Annual premium for a $10,000 bond typically runs $50-$100. Proof of the bond is required with the commission application – not the RON license application separately, as the bond is a commission-level requirement.

Pennsylvania’s RON Training Requirement

Pennsylvania requires completion of an approved training course on RON procedures before the RON license application. Training covers Pennsylvania RON law, remote session procedures, identity verification methods, and electronic journal requirements. Verify the current approved training providers at the Pennsylvania Department of State website before enrolling. Keep the training completion certificate to include with the RON license application.

Pennsylvania’s Per-Notarization Fee Cap

Pennsylvania caps the fee a notary can charge per notarial act at $25. For RON sessions with multiple documents, each notarial act is subject to this cap individually. This fee cap applies to all Pennsylvania notarial acts – in-person and remote. When setting your pricing for RON services, build your model around this maximum. Many Pennsylvania RON notaries work through platforms like Notarize that set their own session fees; verify platform payment structure before signing up.

Pennsylvania-Approved RON Platforms

Pennsylvania requires the use of a Department of State-approved RON platform. Platforms that have been approved include:

• Notarize (Proof) – high consumer session volume, per-session payment
• NotaryLive – strong notary scheduling and session management
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title integrations
• Pavaso – real estate and mortgage document focus

Verify the current Pennsylvania-approved list at dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries before submitting the RON license application.

Pennsylvania Traditional Commission: Key Facts

Pennsylvania notary commissions are 4-year terms, issued by the Department of State. The process requires completion of the application, payment of the commission fee, a $10,000 surety bond, and taking the oath of office. An approved education course may be required – verify at the Department of State. Note that Pennsylvania uses “Department of State” (not “Secretary of State”) for all notary administration.

What Pennsylvania RON Notaries Can Notarize

Pennsylvania RON covers acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations, jurats, and signature witnessing. High-volume areas:

• Real estate and mortgage documents – Pennsylvania’s large residential market in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and suburban areas
• Legal documents – powers of attorney, affidavits, corporate documents
• Financial documents – loan signings, financial agreements
• Out-of-state signers – Pennsylvania RON notaries can serve signers anywhere nationally

Common Mistakes Pennsylvania RON Notaries Make

• Looking for the application through the “Secretary of State” – Pennsylvania uses the Department of State
• Not obtaining the $10,000 bond before applying for the traditional commission
• Charging more than $25 per notarial act – exceeds Pennsylvania’s statutory fee cap
• Using a platform not on Pennsylvania’s current approved list
• Performing remote sessions before receiving the RON license

Before You Start

Pennsylvania RON requires a separate RON license from the Department of State. Ensure your $10,000 commission bond is in place, complete approved training, submit the RON license application with training proof and platform information, pay the $42 fee, and wait for confirmation. Official reference: Pennsylvania Department of State – Notaries.

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