VA NOTARY Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield VA NOTARY facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Who regulates the manufacturers and vendors of Virginia notary seals? → There is no state approval process; vendors self-certify compliance with seal requirements
2. How far in advance may a Virginia notary apply to renew their commission? → 90 days
3. What should a Virginia notary do if they discover they used a defective or expired seal on a previously notarized document? → Contact the parties involved and, if possible, re-notarize the document with a proper seal
4. Which of the following is a notarial act that a Virginia notary is authorized to perform? → Taking an acknowledgment
5. Which of the following is considered 'satisfactory evidence' of identity under Virginia law? → A current, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
6. Which of the following is a residency requirement for a Virginia notary applicant? → Must be a Virginia resident or regularly employed in Virginia
7. Under Virginia law, a notary who drafts, prepares, or selects the notarial certificate wording for a signer is: → Engaging in the unauthorized practice of law
8. If a Virginia Notary Public is unsure about the validity of a document, what should they do? → Refuse to notarize the document
9. Which certificate wording is associated with a Virginia jurat? → Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me
10. A Virginia notary is presented with an ID that looks altered. The notary should: → Refuse the notarization and, if appropriate, report the suspicious activity
11. If a Virginia Notary Public is presented with a document for notarization that has blank spaces, what should they do? → Refuse to notarize until all blanks are filled in or crossed out
12. A Virginia notary performing a copy certification must compare: → The copy to the original document to confirm it is a true and accurate reproduction
13. A signer presents a foreign passport as their only ID. May a Virginia notary use it for identity verification? → Yes, if it is current, bears a photo, and appears to be genuine
14. What shape is commonly used for a Virginia notary's rubber stamp seal? → Rectangle or circle — both are acceptable under Virginia law
15. If a Virginia notary's ink stamp produces a smeared or illegible impression, they should: → Re-stamp the document in a clear area as close to the signature as possible
16. Which Virginia agency processes notary public applications? → Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office
17. Which of the following documents CANNOT be copy-certified by a Virginia notary? → A Virginia birth certificate
18. Which document must a Virginia Notary Public use to perform their duties? → A notarial seal and journal
19. What is the term length for a Virginia notary public commission? → 4 years
20. How should a Virginia Notary Public handle a request to notarize a document in which the signer appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs? → Refuse to notarize the document
21. Which technology is essential for performing remote online notarizations (RON) in Virginia? → An approved RON platform with identity verification
22. A Virginia notary charges a client $8 for a single paper-based acknowledgment. Which statement is correct? → This violates the $5 statutory maximum and may result in disciplinary action
23. Is a Virginia notary required by law to maintain a notary journal? → No, but it is strongly recommended as a best practice
24. If a notarial certificate contains a blank or error, the notary should: → Strike through the error, write the correction, and initial it
25. If a signer is unable to produce satisfactory identification and no credible witness is available, a Virginia notary should: → Refuse the notarization
26. What information should a Virginia notary record in their journal for each act? → Date, type of act, document type, signer name, and form of ID used
27. What is the Virginia application fee for a notary commission as set by statute? → $10
28. When a Virginia notary's commission expires, what must they do with their seal? → Destroy it so it cannot be misused
29. A Virginia notary seal that omits the commission expiration date is considered: → Defective and non-compliant with Virginia law
30. What is the most important ethical duty of a Virginia Notary Public? → To remain impartial and avoid conflicts of interest