Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$45
Issuing Authority
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Journal
ElectronicOnly
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Virginia distinctive
- Virginia permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Virginia's $45 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- Virginia does not require a notary bond, unlike the 28 states that do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Virginia authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Virginia RON PIONEER - first state to authorize remote online notarization (2011)
- Most permissive RON signer location rules (anywhere globally)
- HB 986 (April 2024): Fee increase $5 to $10 effective July 1, 2024
- HB 1372 (2024): Added KBA requirements for RON to align with other states
- NO bond requirement for notaries (unlike most states)
Regulatory Authority
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
VA Code Title 47.1
Notaries and Out-of-State Commissioners
VA Code § 47.1-2
Definitions
Defines credible witness, satisfactory evidence, electronic notarization terms
VA Code § 47.1-7
Electronic Notaries Public
Electronic notary registration and requirements
VA Code § 47.1-9
Oath of Notary
Oath requirements and clerk duties
VA Code § 47.1-12
Powers of Notaries
Core notarial authority, identity verification standard of care
VA Code § 47.1-14
Electronic Notarization Requirements
Electronic journal, recording, identity verification for RON
VA Code § 47.1-15
Prohibited Acts
Notary prohibitions including UPL, incomplete certificates, fraud
VA Code § 47.1-16
Notarization Requirements
Seal and signature requirements
VA Code § 47.1-19
Fees
Maximum fee structure ($10 traditional, $25 electronic as of July 1, 2024)
VA Code § 55.1-621
Statutory Short Forms of Acknowledgment
Standard certificate wording for acknowledgments
HB 986 (2024)
Notary Fee Increase
Effective July 1, 2024: raised fees from $5 to $10 for traditional acts
HB 1372 (2024)
RON KBA Requirements
Added KBA requirements to align VA with other RON states
VA Code § 6.2-1085 through § 6.2-1089
Safe Deposit Box Procedures
Virginia Banking Code provisions for safe deposit box access
VA Code § 47.1-2
HB 1889 - Notarial Act Definition
Clarifies definition of notarial act, effective 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Virginia?
A Virginia notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Virginia?
Virginia charges $45 as the application fee to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Virginia require a notary bond?
No. Virginia does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in Virginia?
Journal requirements in Virginia are: ElectronicOnly. Consult the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division for the current authoritative rule.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division.
Can Virginia notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Virginia authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Virginia notaries use?
Virginia notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Virginia cap notary fees?
Yes. Virginia sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $10 for traditional notarial acts (effective July 1, 2024), $25 for electronic/RON acts (VA Code § 47.1-19)
Who regulates notaries in Virginia?
Virginia notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Virginia authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Virginia authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Virginia notaries perform?
Virginia notaries are authorized to perform 12 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Virginia?
Start your application through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Division.
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Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Acknowledgments: 50-State Guide
Authoritative reference for acknowledgment certificate language across all 50 states, including short-form versus long-form requirements.
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