How to Become a Notary in Virginia
Learn about Virginia notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Virginia law.
Virginia does not mandate a pre-commission education course for traditional notary applicants, though education is strongly recommended. Electronic notaries must complete an approved course before receiving an electronic notary commission. Notary Mentor is a supplementary study resource only and does not fulfill Virginia's electronic notary education requirement.
Virginia Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Virginia.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Virginia Code § 47.1-14 strongly recommends but does not statutorily mandate a journal for traditional in-person notarizations. However, electronic notaries and RON notaries are required to maintain d...
Fees & Seals
Virginia Code § 47.1-19 sets maximum fees. For an acknowledgment, the maximum is $5.00 per signature. For administering an oath or affirmation—$5.00. For certifications—$5.00. For electronic notarizat...
Key Topics Covered for Virginia
Master these essential areas of Virginia notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under Virginia Code § 55.1-600 et seq. and § 47.1-14, an acknowledgment requires the signer to personally appear before the notary, be identified, and acknowledge that the instrume...
Journals & Records
Virginia Code § 47.1-14 strongly recommends but does not statutorily mandate a journal for traditional in-person notarizations. However, electronic notaries and RON notaries are re...
Identity Verification
Under Virginia Code § 47.1-14, a notary may verify identity through personal knowledge, presentation of a current government-issued identification document bearing a photograph and...
RON Specifics
Virginia was a pioneer in RON legislation, enacting provisions under Virginia Code § 47.1-6.1 et seq. effective in 2012, making it one of the first states to authorize remote onlin...
Prohibited Acts
Under Virginia Code § 47.1-20 et seq., a Virginia notary may not perform a notarial act if the signer is not present (in person or via approved RON), if the notary cannot identify ...
Fees & Seals
Virginia Code § 47.1-19 sets maximum fees. For an acknowledgment, the maximum is $5.00 per signature. For administering an oath or affirmation—$5.00. For certifications—$5.00. For ...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Virginia
Mistakes that Virginia notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Attempting RON without first registering as an electronic notary with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and completing the required course.
Not maintaining an electronic journal for electronic or RON notarizations as required by Virginia Code § 47.1-6.1.
Charging more than $5.00 for a traditional notarial act or exceeding $25.00 for an electronic notarization.
Failing to include the registration number on the notary seal.
Not retaining RON audio-video recordings for the required five-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Virginia.
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