VA Notary Notary Appointment and Qualifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must a new Virginia notary do before performing any notarial acts?
- Purchase a notary seal
- Take the oath of office before the clerk of the circuit court (Correct answer)
- Complete a notary training course
- Register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Correct answer: Take the oath of office before the clerk of the circuit court
Before performing notarial acts, a new notary must take the oath of office before the circuit court clerk.
Question 2: Which of the following would DISQUALIFY a person from serving as a Virginia notary?
- Being self-employed
- Having a felony conviction that has not been pardoned (Correct answer)
- Being a dual citizen
- Working part-time
Correct answer: Having a felony conviction that has not been pardoned
A person with an unpardoned felony conviction is disqualified from becoming a Virginia notary.
Question 3: How must a Virginia notary notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth of a name change?
- By email within 90 days
- In writing within 30 days (Correct answer)
- By filing a new application and paying the full fee
- No notification is required
Correct answer: In writing within 30 days
A notary must notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth in writing within 30 days of a name change.
Question 4: What bond amount is required for a Virginia notary public?
- $500
- $1,000
- $2,500
- No bond is required (Correct answer)
Correct answer: No bond is required
Virginia does not require notaries to post a surety bond.
Question 5: A Virginia notary who changes their county or city of residence must notify which entity?
- The local sheriff
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth (Correct answer)
- The circuit court clerk only
- The Governor's office
Correct answer: The Secretary of the Commonwealth
A notary must notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth when changing their county or city of residence.
Question 6: What is the Virginia application fee for a notary commission as set by statute?
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $25
- $40
- $100
Correct answer: $10
The application fee for a Virginia notary commission is $10.
VA Notary Notary Appointment and Qualifications 2
What must a new Virginia notary do before performing any notarial acts?