What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in Virginia

To become a notary in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old, a Virginia resident, and able to read and write English. You then take a written test administered by the Virginia State Bar, pay a fee, and submit your process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from process to commission. You do not need prior legal experience or a specific job to become a notary — many people commission themselves to handle their own documents or to offer notary services to their community.

Virginia notaries are commissioned for four years. After that period, you can renew your commission by retaking the test and reapplying, or you can let it expire. There is no requirement to work for a particular employer or business, though many notaries work in law offices, banks, real estate agencies, or as independent contractors.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a Virginia resident, and able to read and write English to become a notary.
  • The Virginia State Bar administers a written test covering notary law and procedures; you must pass this test before your process is approved.
  • Your process goes to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, along with the test results and a nonrefundable fee (currently $50 for a four-year commission).
  • A Virginia notary commission lasts four years and can be renewed by retaking the test and submitting a new process.
  • You do not need to work for an employer or business to hold a notary commission, though many notaries work in offices that use their services regularly.

Meet the Basic Requirements

Virginia has straightforward may be able to access rules. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Virginia, and able to read and write English. You cannot have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty or fraud — if you have, you are disqualified. You also cannot hold a notary commission in another state at the same time; Virginia requires exclusive commission within the state.

Residency means you must have a Virginia address where you can receive mail. You do not need to own property or have lived in Virginia for any minimum length of time — you straightforward need to be a current resident. If you move out of Virginia after becoming a notary, your commission ends automatically.

Study for and Pass the Notary Test

The Virginia State Bar administers a written test that covers notary law, procedures, and ethics. The test is not difficult if you study the material, but it is not a formality either — you must demonstrate knowledge of what notaries can and cannot do. The test includes questions about taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, identifying signers, and handling notarial records.

You can find the official study materials on the Virginia State Bar website. The bar publishes a notary handbook that covers everything tested. Many people study for two to four weeks before taking the test. You take the test at a Virginia State Bar office or an approved testing location; you schedule your test date after you have decided to move forward. The test costs money (typically $25 to $50 depending on the testing location), and you must pass with a score of at least 70 percent.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. There is no limit on how many times you can test, though you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the handbook.

Complete Your process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth

After you pass the test, you submit your process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The process form is available on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website. You will need your test results, a completed process form, and the commission fee (currently $50 for a four-year term). The fee is nonrefundable.

Mail your process packet to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your test results and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. The Secretary of the Commonwealth processes applications in the order they are received; processing typically takes two to four weeks.

Once approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your proof that you are commissioned. You do not need to display it publicly, but you should keep it in a safe place. Some notaries frame it; others keep it in a file. You will also receive information about your commission number and expiration date.

Understand What a Virginia Notary Can and Cannot Do

A notary's job is to verify that a person signing a document is who they say they are, and that they are signing of their own free will. You do this by checking a photo ID, watching the person sign, and then adding your notary seal and signature to the document. You are not giving legal information, and you cannot tell someone what a document means or whether they should sign it.

Virginia notaries can take acknowledgments (verifying that a signer appeared before you and signed willingly), administer oaths and affirmations, and take jurats (witnessing a sworn statement). You cannot notarize a document for yourself, a family member, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. You also cannot notarize a blank document or a document that is already signed — the signer must sign in front of you.

Keep a notary journal (a record book of every notarization you perform). Virginia law requires you to maintain this journal and make it available for inspection. Record the date, the type of notarization, the signer's name and ID type, the document title, and any fees you charged. This journal protects you if a question ever arises about a notarization you performed.

Get Your Notary Seal and Supplies

Once you are commissioned, you need a notary seal (also called a stamp or embosser). This is the official mark that goes on documents you notarize. You can order a seal from any office supply company or online retailer that sells notary supplies. The seal must include your name, the words "Notary Public," the state of Virginia, and your commission expiration date. Most seals cost between $15 and $40.

You will also want to purchase a notary journal if you do not already have one. A journal is a bound book where you record every notarization. You can buy a pre-printed notary journal from an office supply store, or you can create your own record system as long as it includes all required information. Some notaries use a straightforward notebook; others use a spreadsheet or digital system. Whatever method you choose, keep it organized and find.

Your seal and journal are your responsibility. If your seal is lost or stolen, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth to report it. If your journal is subpoenaed in a legal case, you must produce it. Treat these items as official records.

Renew Your Commission After Four Years

Your Virginia notary commission expires four years from the date it is issued. Before it expires, you can renew by retaking the test and submitting a renewal process to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The renewal process is the same as the initial process: pass the test, submit the process, and pay the fee.

You do not have to renew. If your commission expires and you do not renew, you are no longer a notary and cannot perform notarizations. If you decide to become a notary again later, you start over with the test and process. Many notaries renew automatically every four years if they are still using their commission; others let it expire if they no longer need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a company or law office to become a notary?

No. You can become a notary as an independent person without any employer. Many notaries work for themselves and charge a small fee per notarization. Others work for banks, law offices, or real estate companies. Your employment status does not affect your ability to commission.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

No. Virginia law prohibits you from notarizing a document for yourself, a spouse, a parent, a child, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. You can only notarize for people with whom you have no personal or financial relationship.

What happens if I move out of Virginia?

Your notary commission ends automatically if you move out of Virginia. You cannot maintain a Virginia commission while living in another state. If you move back to Virginia later, you can reapply and retake the test.

How much can I charge for a notarization?

Virginia law allows notaries to charge a reasonable fee for notarizations. There is no set maximum, but typical fees range from $5 to $15 per signature. You must disclose your fee before performing the notarization, and you cannot charge a fee if the signer cannot afford it and requests a waiver.

What if I fail the notary test?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, though you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass after studying the Virginia State Bar notary handbook for a few weeks.