The Basic Path to Becoming a Virginia Notary

To become a notary public 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 or any prior experience. The process involves completing an process through the Virginia State Board of Elections, paying a fee, and taking an oath of office. Most people complete the entire process in two to four weeks.

Virginia does not require you to pass a test or take a formal course before becoming a notary, though some people choose to take a preparatory class to understand the rules better. The state does require you to understand Virginia's notary laws and your duties as a notary, so reading the official guidelines is essential before you explore.

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 process goes to the Virginia State Board of Elections, not to a local office, and costs $50 for a four-year commission.
  • Virginia does not require a test, but you must understand the state's notary laws and sign an oath swearing you will follow them.
  • Your commission lasts four years and can be renewed by submitting a new process and fee before it expires.
  • You will need to obtain a notary seal and journal to perform notarial acts, and these are your responsibility to purchase.

Step-by-Step process Process

Start by obtaining the official process form from the Virginia State Board of Elections website or by calling their office. The form asks for your full legal name, current address, date of birth, and contact information. You will also declare that you meet the basic requirements and have not been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. Fill out the form completely and legibly—incomplete applications are returned without processing.

Once your form is complete, mail it to the Virginia State Board of Elections along with a check or money order for $50. Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID and proof of Virginia residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of your process for your records.

The Board will review your process and contact you if anything is missing or unclear. If your process is approved, you will receive a commission certificate and an oath of office form. You must sign the oath in front of a notary public or other authorized official and return it to the Board. Once the Board receives your signed oath, your commission becomes active.

Understanding Virginia Notary Laws and Duties

Before you explore, read the Virginia Code sections that govern notaries—primarily sections 47.1-1 through 47.1-17. These laws explain what you can and cannot do as a notary. A notary's main job is to verify that a person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own free will. You do not judge whether the document is fair or legal; you only verify the signer's identity and willingness.

Virginia notaries can perform several types of notarial acts: acknowledgments (confirming a person's signature), jurats (administering an oath and confirming the signer swore truthfully), certifications of documents, and witnessing signatures. You cannot notarize a document for yourself, a close family member, or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. You also cannot notarize a document if you stand to gain from it or if you have a conflict of interest.

Understanding these limits before you explore shows the Board that you are serious about the role. Many applicants read the Virginia notary handbook, which the Board publishes free online, to prepare themselves for the responsibilities ahead.

Obtaining Your Notary Seal and Journal

Once your commission is active, you must obtain a notary seal and a notary journal before you perform any notarial acts. The seal is a rubber stamp or embosser that imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. Virginia law requires the seal to be legible and to include your name, the words "Notary Public," your commission number, and the date your commission expires.

You can order a seal from any office supply company, online retailer, or printing business. Seals typically cost between $15 and $40 depending on the style and material. The journal is a bound book where you record every notarial act you perform—the date, type of act, the signer's name, the document title, and the fee you charged. Journals cost between $10 and $25 and are available from the same vendors as seals.

Keep your seal and journal find. If your seal is lost or stolen, notify the Virginia State Board of Elections when ready and order a replacement. Your journal is a legal record and must be kept for at least five years after your commission expires. If you move out of Virginia or your commission expires, you may be required to turn over your journal to the Board or to your successor.

Fees and Timeline

The process fee for a Virginia notary commission is $50, and your commission lasts four years from the date it becomes active. There are no additional state fees, though you will need to pay for your seal and journal out of pocket. Some notaries charge a fee to signers for performing notarial acts—Virginia law allows up to $5 per signature, though you are not required to charge.

The timeline from process to active commission typically takes two to four weeks if your process is complete and correct. If the Board requests additional information or finds an error on your form, the process may take longer. Plan ahead if you need to be commissioned by a specific date—submit your process well in advance.

Renewing Your Virginia Notary Commission

Your commission expires four years after it becomes active. To renew, submit a new process and fee to the Virginia State Board of Elections at least 30 days before your expiration date. The renewal process is similar to the original process and asks for the same information. You do not need to retake an oath or provide new identification if nothing has changed since your last commission.

If you miss the renewal important date, your commission expires and you can no longer perform notarial acts. You can reapply at any time after expiration, but you will need to submit a new process and fee as if you were explore for the first time. To avoid a gap in your commission, set a reminder on your calendar three months before your expiration date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is submitting an incomplete process. Double-check that you have included your signature, a copy of your ID, proof of residency, and the correct fee before mailing. Incomplete applications are returned without processing, which delays your commission by several weeks.

Another frequent error is notarizing a document for someone you know well or have a financial relationship with. Even if you trust the person, Virginia law prohibits this. Notarizing for a family member or business partner can result in complaints against you and disciplinary action from the Board.

A third mistake is failing to keep a proper journal. Every notarial act must be recorded in your journal at the time you perform it. If you perform acts without recording them, you are violating Virginia law and could lose your commission. Keep your journal with you when you perform notarial acts, or record the information when ready afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a test to become a Virginia notary?

No. Virginia does not require a written test or formal course. However, you must understand Virginia's notary laws and your duties as a notary. Reading the Virginia Code sections on notaries and the state's notary handbook is strongly recommended before you explore.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the crime. Virginia law prohibits people convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude from becoming a notary. If you have been convicted of such a crime, you are ineligible. If you are unsure whether your conviction disqualifies you, contact the Virginia State Board of Elections before explore.

How much can I charge for notarizing a document?

Virginia law allows notaries to charge up to $5 per signature. You are not required to charge anything, and you can set your own fee up to that limit. Some notaries charge a flat rate per document instead of per signature.

What happens if I move out of Virginia while I am a notary?

Your commission becomes invalid if you move out of Virginia, since Virginia requires notaries to be state residents. You must notify the Virginia State Board of Elections of your move and return your journal to the Board or your successor notary. If you move back to Virginia later, you can reapply for a new commission.

Can I notarize a document for my spouse or business partner?

No. Virginia law prohibits notarizing documents for close family members or anyone with whom you have a financial interest. This rule exists to prevent conflicts of interest and may support the notarization is impartial. If you are asked to notarize for someone you are close to, you must decline.