How to Become a Notary in Virginia — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a notary in Virginia is a straightforward process, but the details matter — application timing, the oath requirement, journal rules, and annual registration. This guide covers the complete Virginia notary public process step by step, from eligibility through receiving your commission and getting to work.

Virginia notaries are commissioned for four years, can perform notarial acts for any member of the public, and are authorized to perform remote online notarization (RON) with additional registration. The process is managed by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Virginia Notary Requirements

Virginia's requirements for becoming a notary public are straightforward compared to many states. Here's what you need to qualify:

• Residency or employment: You must be a Virginia resident OR employed in Virginia. You don't have to live in Virginia if you work here.
• Age: At least 18 years old.
• Literacy: Must be able to read and write English.
• No prior experience required: Virginia doesn't require any training, course completion, or testing before applying. This is a key difference from states like California, where a course and exam are mandatory.
• Good character: The Secretary of the Commonwealth considers felony convictions. A criminal background doesn't automatically disqualify you, but applications involving convictions are reviewed individually.

How to Become a Notary in Virginia: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete the Application

Applications are submitted online through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth's website (commonwealth.virginia.gov). You'll provide your contact information, county/city of residence or employment, and certify that you meet the eligibility requirements. The application fee is $45, paid online by credit or debit card.

Step 2: Receive Your Commission Certificate

Once approved (typically 4-6 weeks), the Secretary of the Commonwealth mails your commission certificate. This certificate is not a license to begin notarizing yet — you have two more steps before you can perform notarial acts.

Step 3: Take Your Oath of Office

Within 60 days of your commission date, you must appear in person at your local circuit court clerk's office to take the oath of office. This is mandatory — if you miss the 60-day window, your commission is void and you must reapply. Bring your commission certificate. The oath is administered by a court official and takes only a few minutes.

Step 4: Pay Annual Registration and Register with the Court

After taking your oath, you register your commission with the circuit court and pay the $10 annual registration fee. You'll receive a certificate of registration confirming you're authorized to begin notarizing.

Step 5: Get Your Notary Supplies

Virginia notaries are required to use a seal (either a stamp or embosser). The seal must contain: your name as it appears on your commission, the words 'Notary Public' and 'Commonwealth of Virginia', your commission expiration date, and your commission number. Order your seal after you receive your commission number.

A notary journal is strongly recommended in Virginia, though not legally mandated for most acts. For deeds of trust and deeds conveying real property, Virginia law requires journal entries.

Virginia Notary Powers: What You Can and Can't Do

Virginia notaries are authorized to perform the following notarial acts:

• Acknowledgments: The signer appears before you and acknowledges signing the document voluntarily. The signer doesn't have to sign in front of you.
• Jurats/oaths and affirmations: The signer takes an oath and signs the document in your presence. Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.
• Copies: Certifying a copy of a document as a true copy of the original (with specific limitations — see below).
• Signature witnessing: Witnessing the signing of a document.

Virginia notaries cannot perform notarial acts on documents in which they have a personal financial interest. You can notarize for a spouse in most circumstances, but you cannot notarize any document where your commission depends on the outcome or where you're a named party.

One important limitation: Virginia notaries cannot certify copies of vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees). Certified copies of those documents must be obtained from the issuing agency.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Virginia

Virginia was one of the first states to authorize remote online notarization. Virginia notaries can perform RON — notarizing documents with signers who appear via live audio/visual connection rather than in person — but must first register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth as a remote notary and use a Virginia-approved RON platform.

Registration requires an additional application (no fee for the RON addition to an existing commission) and specifying which approved technology vendor you'll use. Popular RON platforms in Virginia include Notarize, DocVerify, and Pavaso.

Comparing Virginia and Indiana Notary Requirements

If you're studying for a notary exam in another state, it's worth understanding how requirements vary. Indiana also has a straightforward notary application process through the Secretary of State, with a $10 application fee and a 4-year commission — similar to Virginia's structure. Key differences: Indiana requires notaries to maintain an electronic or paper journal for every notarial act (stronger requirement than Virginia), and Indiana's bond requirement ($5,000) is mandatory for all notaries (Virginia has no bond requirement). Work through the Indiana Notary Proper Notarial Acts practice test and the Indiana Notary Commission Qualifications practice test to prepare for the Indiana notary process.

Renewing Your Virginia Notary Commission

Virginia notary commissions are valid for 4 years. To renew:

1. Apply for a new commission through the Secretary of the Commonwealth website within 90 days of your current commission's expiration date.
2. Pay the $45 application fee.
3. Once approved, take the oath at your circuit court again.
4. Pay the annual registration fee ($10).

Your notary number changes with each new commission — update your seal before performing notarial acts under the new commission. Performing notarial acts with an expired commission is illegal in Virginia.

For additional knowledge about notary law and practice, the FREE Notary Authorized Acts practice test, FREE Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities practice test, and Notary Fees and Prohibited Acts practice test cover notary law principles that apply across state lines.