How to Become a Notary Public in Virginia
Virginia is a self-certifying state, meaning you do not need to pass an exam, complete a course, or obtain a surety bond to become a notary public. You simply need to meet the eligibility requirements and certify that you understand your duties when applying.
Virginia Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Virginia resident OR regularly employed in VA |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No |
| Surety Bond | Not required |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $45 |
| Oath Fee | $10 |
Why Become a Virginia Notary?
- No exam required - Self-certifying state
- No bond required - One of few states without bond requirement
- No course required - No mandatory education
- Pioneer in RON - Virginia was the first state to authorize Remote Online Notarization (2012)
- Income potential - Charge up to $10 for traditional acts, $25 for electronic/RON
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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Virginia Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become a Virginia notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Be a resident of Virginia OR regularly employed in Virginia
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no felony conviction (unless pardoned or civil rights restored)
Non-Resident Note: Non-residents may be appointed if they are regularly employed in Virginia and perform notary services in connection with their employment. Non-resident notaries who cease regular employment in Virginia must surrender their commission.
Step 2: Apply Online Through the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Virginia processes notary applications online:
- Visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website
- Complete the online Notary Public Application
- Pay the $45 non-refundable application fee
- Self-certify that you understand your duties as a notary public
- Submit your application
Processing Time: Applications are typically processed within a few weeks.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission
Once approved:
- You will receive your notary commission certificate
- Your commission is issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- You have 60 days to complete the oath of office
Step 4: Take Oath of Office at Circuit Court
Within 60 days of receiving your commission, you must:
- Visit your local Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Present your commission certificate
- Take the Oath of Office
- Pay the $10 oath fee
- Receive your stamped commission certificate
Important: If you fail to complete the oath within 60 days, your commission becomes void.
July 2024 Update: If you are renewing your commission before expiration and are in good standing, you are no longer required to take your oath at the courthouse. Digital copies of renewal commissions are provided once approved.
Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
After completing your oath, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Seal/Stamp (Required):
Virginia law requires a seal or stamp on every notarized document:
- Must be sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible
- Must contain your name exactly as on your commission
- Must include "Notary Public"
- Must include "Commonwealth of Virginia"
- Cost: $25-$50
Note: The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office does NOT sell notary stamps/seals. You must purchase from an outside vendor.
Notary Journal (Recommended for traditional, Required for electronic):
- Not legally required for paper notarizations
- Required for electronic notarizations (kept 5+ years)
- Strongly recommended for your protection
- Cost: $15-$30
Virginia Notary Fees (Effective July 1, 2024)
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (paper) | $10 |
| Jurat/Oath (paper) | $10 |
| Certifying copies | $10 |
| Electronic notarization | $25 |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | $25 |
| Travel fees | Negotiable (must agree in advance) |
Important Notes:
- Fees were increased effective July 1, 2024 (from $5 to $10 for traditional acts)
- These are maximum fees - you may charge less
- Per notarial act, not per document or signature
- Notaries are not required to charge a fee
- Charging more than the legal maximum is unlawful
Virginia-Specific Requirements
Seal Requirements
Your notary seal/stamp must:
- Be sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible
- Contain your name exactly as it appears on your commission
- Include "Notary Public"
- Include "Commonwealth of Virginia"
Prohibited Acts
Virginia notaries may NOT:
- Notarize their own signature
- Notarize when they have a direct financial interest
- Provide legal advice
- Notarize incomplete documents
- Charge more than the statutory maximum fees
Jurisdiction
- Virginia notaries may only perform notarial acts within Virginia
- For electronic/RON acts, the notary must be physically located in Virginia
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Virginia
Virginia was the first state to authorize Remote Online Notarization in 2012, making it a pioneer in this field.
Becoming a Virginia Electronic/Remote Notary
To perform electronic notarization or RON in Virginia:
- First obtain a traditional VA notary commission
- Obtain electronic seal and signature technology (digital certificate from approved provider)
- Complete the electronic notary application
- Pay the $45 application fee for electronic notary
- Receive your electronic notary commission
Electronic Seal Requirements
Your electronic seal must:
- Be purchased before applying for electronic notary status
- Include all required elements of a traditional seal
- Be from an approved technology provider
RON Requirements
- Notary must be physically located in Virginia
- Must use approved audio-visual technology
- Must maintain electronic journal for 5+ years
- Signer can be located anywhere
- Must verify signer identity through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or other approved methods
RON Fees
You may charge up to $25 for electronic notarial acts, including RON.
Total Cost to Become a Virginia Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 |
| Oath Fee | $10 |
| Surety Bond | $0 (not required) |
| Notary Seal/Stamp | $25-$50 |
| Journal (optional) | $15-$30 |
| Total Estimated | $80-$135 |
Additional Electronic Notary Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Notary Application | $45 |
| Digital Certificate/Technology | Varies ($100-$300+) |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Submit online application | Same day |
| Application processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Take oath of office | Must complete within 60 days |
| Purchase supplies | Same day |
| Total | 2-4 weeks |
Errors & Omissions Insurance
While not required, Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance is highly recommended:
- Protects you from liability for unintentional errors
- Typical coverage: $10,000-$25,000
- Annual cost: $20-$50
Commission Renewal
Renewal Process:
- Apply for renewal before your commission expires
- Pay $45 renewal application fee
- As of July 2024, renewing notaries in good standing no longer need to take oath at courthouse
- Digital commission copies are provided upon approval
Start Your Virginia Notary Career Today
Virginia makes it easy to become a notary public as a self-certifying state with no exam, no course, and no bond requirements. Simply apply online, take your oath at the circuit court, and begin serving clients.