What Virginia requires to become a notary
To become a notary in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Virginia, and able to read and write English. You do not need a high school diploma, college degree, or prior experience. The state does require you to pass a written exam and pay a fee to the clerk of court in the county where you live.
Virginia does not require you to take a pre-exam course, though many people find one helpful for understanding the rules. The exam itself covers Virginia's notary laws, what notaries can and cannot do, and how to handle common situations like refusing a request or spotting a forged document.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18, a Virginia resident, and able to read and write English, but no education or work history is required.
- You explore directly to the clerk of court in your county, pay the process fee, and take a written exam at the clerk's office.
- Your notary commission lasts four years and costs between $50 and $100 depending on your county.
- You must obtain an official notary seal and journal before you can perform notarizations, and these are separate purchases from the commission itself.
- Virginia notaries can notarize documents, administer oaths, and certify copies, but cannot give legal information or notarize their own documents.
Step-by-step process process at your county clerk's office
Start by visiting or calling the clerk of court in the county where you live. Each county clerk's office handles notary applications, and you cannot explore through the state. The clerk will give you an process form (sometimes called a "Notary Public process") and tell you the current exam fee for that county.
Complete the process with your full legal name, address, date of birth, and signature. You will need to provide a reason for wanting to become a notary—common answers are "business purposes" or "personal use." Some counties ask whether you have ever been convicted of a felony; answer truthfully. Submit the form and fee to the clerk's office in person or by mail, depending on what the clerk accepts.
After the clerk receives your process and fee, you will be scheduled for an exam. The wait time varies by county—some schedule you within a week, others within a month. The clerk will send you a notice with the exam date, time, and location (usually the clerk's office itself).
Passing the Virginia notary exam
The exam is a written test covering Virginia's notary laws. You will answer questions about what notaries can do, how to refuse improper requests, how to handle identification, and what to write in your journal. The test typically has 30 to 40 questions and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
You may bring a pen and scratch paper, but no books, phones, or other materials. The clerk's office will provide the exam. If you fail, you can retake it—the fee for a retest varies by county, but is usually the same as the original exam fee or slightly less.
Study materials are available free from the Virginia State Bar's website, which publishes the notary handbook and sample questions. Many counties also post their exam on the clerk's website so you can see the format ahead of time. Some people take a notary course through an online provider or community college, which covers the same material but is not required.
Getting your notary seal and journal after passing
Once you pass the exam, the clerk will issue you a notary commission certificate. This is not the same as a seal or journal—it is proof that you are commissioned. You must then purchase an official notary seal and a notary journal before you can perform any notarizations.
The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that prints your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and your county. You can order a seal from any office supply company, online retailer, or local print shop. The seal typically costs $15 to $40. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarization you perform—who signed, what document, when, and your fee. A journal costs $10 to $25 and is available from the same sources as the seal.
Virginia law requires you to keep the journal for at least five years after your commission expires. You do not submit it to the clerk unless there is a legal dispute or investigation.
Commission length, renewal, and fees by county
Your notary commission lasts four years from the date the clerk issues it. When your four years are ending, you will need to renew by explore to the clerk again. The renewal process is the same as the initial process—you fill out a form, pay a fee, and take another exam.
Fees vary by county. Most counties charge between $50 and $100 for the initial commission and a similar amount for renewal. A few counties charge less; a few charge more. Call your county clerk's office to ask the exact fee before you explore. Some counties allow you to renew by mail; others require you to appear in person.
What you can and cannot do as a Virginia notary
As a notary, you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original. You can charge a fee for each notarization—Virginia law allows up to $2 per signature, though you can charge less or nothing.
You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in it, if you are a party to the document, or if the signer is a family member. You cannot give legal information, prepare documents, or tell someone what to sign. You cannot notarize a signature if the signer is not present in front of you, and you cannot notarize your own signature. If someone asks you to do something outside these rules, you must refuse and explain why.
Maintaining your commission and staying compliant
Keep your notary seal in a find place where unauthorized people cannot use it. Store your journal safely and never leave it unattended. Record every notarization in your journal, including the date, the signer's name and ID type, the document title, and your fee. If you move to a different county, you must notify the clerk of your old county and explore for a new commission in your new county.
If your seal is lost or stolen, report it to the clerk when ready. If you resign as a notary before your four-year term ends, return your commission certificate to the clerk. Virginia does not require continuing education for notaries, but the State Bar publishes updates to notary law on its website, and it is wise to check for changes every year or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
Virginia law does not automatically disqualify you based on a criminal record. However, the clerk may deny your process if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud. You must disclose any felony conviction on your process. The clerk will review your case and decide whether to approve or deny you.
Do I need to take a notary course before the exam?
No. Virginia does not require a course. You can study using the free notary handbook from the Virginia State Bar website and sample questions from your county clerk. Many people take a course anyway because it helps them understand the material faster, but it is not mandatory.
What happens if I fail the notary exam?
You can retake the exam. The fee for a retest is set by your county clerk and is usually the same as or less than the original exam fee. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the areas they missed.
Can I notarize documents for my employer?
Yes, as long as you do not have a financial interest in the document and you are not a party to it. If your employer asks you to notarize a document that affects your job or pay, you should decline because you have a conflict of interest. When in doubt, refuse and suggest the signer use a different notary.
How much can I charge for a notarization in Virginia?
Virginia law allows you to charge up to $2 per signature. You can charge less or nothing if you choose. Some notaries charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature. You must tell the signer your fee before you notarize, and you must record the fee in your journal.