Notary Public
Virginia
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
Application Process
VerifiedMeet all eligibility requirements (age 18+, legal U.S. resident, Virginia resident or employed in Virginia, no disqualifying felony convictions, able to read and write English)
Submit a notarized application through the Notary Management Accounts System online or by mail with the $45 non-refundable fee
Wait 2-3 weeks for the Secretary of the Commonwealth to process the application
Once processed, the commission is sent to the selected circuit court
Take the oath of office at the circuit court clerk's office (approximately $10 clerk's fee)
Purchase an official notary seal (ink stamp or inked embosser)
Optionally apply for electronic notary commission ($45 additional fee) for RON capability
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years or older years old
Residency
Must legally reside in Virginia, or be regularly employed in Virginia and perform notary services in connection with that employment
Citizenship
Must be a legal resident of the United States
Background Check
Applicants cannot have felony convictions unless their civil rights have been restored or they have been pardoned. This is verified through self-disclosure on the application.
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredVirginia does not require mandatory training or exams for traditional notary commissions. Virginia is a 'self-certifying state.' However, education is strongly recommended.
Exam
Not RequiredVirginia does not require an exam for traditional notary commissions.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Not RequiredVirginia does not require notaries to obtain a surety bond.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredErrors and omissions insurance is not required but is highly recommended.
Seal / Stamp
Requiredeither
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $45 (non-refundable) |
Bond Premium | N/A - bond not required |
Stamp / Seal | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost | $75-$95 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Renewal applicants in good standing do not need to have their application notarized and do not need to retake an oath at the circuit court. Submit a renewal application through the online Notary Management Accounts System and pay the $45 renewal fee. If the commission has been expired for more than 30 days or the notary's name has changed, a new application must be submitted.
Renewal Fee
$45 (non-refundable)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Virginia was the first state to enact a remote online notarization law. A Virginia electronic notary may perform notarial acts using audio-video communication for a remotely located individual. The notary must physically be in Virginia, but the signer can be anywhere. Requires an eNotary commission ($45 additional fee) on top of the traditional notary commission. Audio-video recordings must be kept for 5+ years. Must use secure platforms meeting Virginia standards.
Additional Requirements
Must first obtain a traditional notary commission, then apply separately for an electronic notary commission ($45). Must purchase an electronic seal from an approved provider. Must provide the name and description of the technology used in the eNotary application.
Important Notes
What Makes Virginia Unique
Virginia was the first state in the U.S. to enact a remote online notarization (RON) law, effective July 1, 2012.
Virginia was the first state in the U.S. to enact a remote online notarization (RON) law, effective July 1, 2012.
Virginia is a 'self-certifying state' -- no mandatory education or exam is required for traditional notary commissions.
The commission expires on the last day of the notary's birth month in the fourth year.
Acting under an expired commission may constitute a criminal offense in Virginia.
A journal/recordbook is required only for electronic notarial acts, not traditional paper notarizations.
The maximum fee for traditional notarizations increased from $5 to $10 effective July 1, 2024.
Must be able to read and write English.