The following steps briefly explain what you need to do if you want to become a Notary Public in Virginia:
- Meet all of the state's requirements.
- Complete and print an application form.
- Pay the $45 application fee.
- Have your signature on Part 3 of the application notarized.
- Mail in your notarized application and payment.
- Receive a notification if you're approved.
- Take your oath of office and pay the $10 fee.
- Buy your Notary seal and journal.
Beginning July 1, 2027, all Notary commission applicants must submit proof of completing an approved course within the previous six months. First-time applicants will also be required to pass an exam. See our law update for details.
About the Virginia Notary Process
The Virginia Notary commission is valid for four years, after which you’ll need to renew it to continue as a Notary. Your commission expires on the last day of the month you were born.
Cost of Becoming a VA Notary
The cost to become a Virginia Notary ranges between $125 and $150. However, the final cost may vary based on where you purchase your Notary seal.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$45 |
| Notarization fee |
$10 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Circuit Court fee for administering your oath |
$10 |
| Total Cost |
$125 - $150 |
Commission Processing Time
It usually takes two to three weeks for the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office to process applications.
Virginia Notary Public Requirements
Find out how to qualify and what supplies you need to become a VA Notary.
Eligibility
To qualify to become a Notary in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read and write English
- Be a legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Additionally, an applicant must not have been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any other state unless the person has had their rights are restored or received a pardon for the crime.
Notary Training & Exam
Training is not currently required.
Beginning July 1, 2027, all Notary commission applicants must submit proof of completing an approved course within the previous six months. First-time applicants will also be required to pass an exam. See our law update for details.
Application
Complete and print the application form. Ensure the name on your application exactly matches your state-issued ID.
Pay the $45 application fee online by credit card, check, or money order.
When paying online, ensure the barcode number on your printed application matches the invoice number on your receipt to ensure proper payment on your account.
Notarization
Take your application to a Virginia Notary and have your signature on Part 3 of the application notarized.
Mail your notarized application and payment receipt (if you paid online) or check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia in the amount of $45 to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Circuit Court
If you're approved, you’ll receive notification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth stating that your commission has been processed.
You have 60 days to appear in your county circuit court office to take your oath of office and receive your Notary commission. You’ll need to pay a $10 fee to the Circuit Court.
If you fail to claim your commission within 60 days after it is issued, your commission is invalid, and you must re-apply.
Notary Supplies
Virginia Notaries are required to have an official Notary seal and journal.
The Notary seal may be an inked rubber stamp or an embosser, provided the impression is sharp, legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible. Your Notary stamp must contain the following information:
- Your name exactly as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "Commonwealth of Virginia"
- Your Notary registration number
- Your commission expiration date
If you choose to use an embosser, you’ll need to use an embossment inker to make the seal photographically reproducible.
Virginia Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Virginia Notary? Read on below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
May I become a Virginia Notary if I don't live in the Commonwealth?
Yes. You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to become a Virginia Notary Public if you are regularly employed in the state and perform Notary services in connection with your employment.
Is training or an exam required to become a Notary in Virginia?
No training or exam is required at this time, but individuals applying for a new commission or applying for reappointment starting July 1, 2027, must take an approved course within the six months before applying.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
Where will I be able to notarize?
Virginia Notaries are authorized to notarize documents anywhere within the borders of the state.
You may also notarize for signers outside of Virginia, but only if the documents will be used in Virginia or by the U.S. government (COV § 47.1-13, § 47.1-13.1).
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You're prohibited from notarizing your own signature, your spouse's signature, or any document from which you or your spouse may benefit.
What fees can VA Notaries charge for notarizations?
Virginia Notaries are not required to charge a fee, but you may charge a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act.
You may charge an additional fee for travel expenses, but only if the signer agrees to it in advance.
If you notarize for your employer in the course of your job, the employer may limit your notarizations to transactions directly related to its business during business hours. If you charge a fee for your service, your employer may require you to surrender the fee.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If you move during your commission, you must update your information in your account on the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
If you change your name, you must indicate your original name in which your commission was issued on all notarial acts. The following language should appear on all notarized documents: "I was commissioned a Notary Public as [your original name]."
When you renew your commission, you may apply under your new name.
How do I renew my Notary commission in Virginia?
The process to renew your commission is the same as if you were applying to become a Notary Public for the first time except your application doesn’t need to be notarized if you meet the following conditions:
- Be in good standing
- Not be subject to any investigation or proceeding
- Never have been removed from office
How do I become an electronic Notary?
If you want to notarize electronic documents, you must first hold an existing commission as a traditional Virginia Notary Public and obtain an electronic Notary seal. Then, you must complete the eNotary Application and pay the non-refundable $45 fee online.
Beginning July 1, 2027, all electronic Notary commission applicants must submit proof of completing an approved course within the previous six months.
What do I need to know about remote electronic notarization in Virginia?
In 2013, Virginia became the first state to allow remote online notarizations (RONs). An electronic Notary Public commission enables you to notarize electronic documents for remotely located signers.
This step-by-step guide will help you with the application process.
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Last updated: Jul 1, 2026