How to Become a Notary in Virginia (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- No exam, no training course, no bond required
- Application fee: $45 (non-refundable) | Commission term: 4 years
- Must be 18+, a VA resident or working in VA, and able to read/write English
- New for July 2026: SB316 makes notary journals mandatory
- RON (remote online notarization) available: VA was an early adopter
- Apply through the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Virginia has one of the simpler notary application processes: no exam, no training, no bond. But big changes are coming: SB316, effective July 1, 2026, will require all notaries to maintain a journal and may add education requirements for new applicants. Here’s the current process and what’s changing.
Requirements
To become a notary public in Virginia, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Virginia resident or work in the state
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Submit Your Application Online
Complete the notary application through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Pay the $45 non-refundable fee. You’ll need to provide your personal information and have it notarized.
Step 2: Take Your Oath at the Circuit Court
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a commission certificate. Take it to your local circuit court within 60 days to take your oath of office. There’s an additional $10 fee for the clerk’s court.
Step 3: Buy Your Supplies
Purchase your notary stamp (required). A journal is recommended now and will be required starting July 1, 2026 under SB316. Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50.
What Changes with SB316 (July 2026)
Virginia SB316 (companion bill HB163) introduces significant notary reforms effective July 1, 2026:
- Mandatory journal: All Virginia notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts
- Education requirements: New applicants may need to complete training (details pending)
- ID changes: Removes “personal knowledge” as an acceptable identification method
- Property alerts: Circuit courts must establish property alert notification systems
The updated Virginia Notary Handbook (March 2026) has the full details.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Secretary of Commonwealth) | $45 |
| Court fee (circuit clerk) | $10 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (recommended; required July 2026) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $80-$130 |
Surety Bond Requirements
No. Virginia does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance. However, E&O insurance is recommended to protect yourself from liability.
Renewal
Virginia notary commissions last 4 years. Renew through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online portal. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap. After SB316 takes effect in July 2026, renewal may include new requirements.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Virginia was one of the first states to authorize remote online notarization. To perform RON, register as an electronic notary through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. You’ll need to use an approved RON platform and follow additional procedures. See our signing agent guide for more on building a RON practice.
Fee Schedule
Virginia sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. For electronic notarizations, the maximum is $25. You may also charge a reasonable travel fee for mobile services if the signer agrees in advance.
Notarizing for Family Members
Virginia does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members, but you cannot notarize any document in which you have a personal interest. Use caution with spouse notarizations involving shared financial interests. Starting July 2026, Virginia notaries will be required to maintain a journal (SB316), which will provide additional documentation for all notarizations.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct in Virginia
- Notarizing without a commission: misdemeanor
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation, the Governor may revoke your commission for cause
- Civil liability. You can be sued for damages caused by improper notarizations
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal. It cannot be controlled by your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp goes with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
How Virginia Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Virginia | North Carolina | Maryland | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | None | None | None | None |
| Exam | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Training | No | 6 hours | Yes | No |
| Term | 4 years | 5 years | 4 years | 10 years |
| Max Fee | $5 | $5 | $4 | $5 |
| Journal | July 2026 (SB316) | Recommended | Required | Recommended |
Virginia has minimal requirements: no bond, no exam, no training. The biggest upcoming change is the journal requirement (SB316, effective July 2026). North Carolina stands out with 6-hour training and an exam. Maryland recently added training and exam requirements. None of these states require a bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a notary journal required in Virginia?
Not yet, but starting July 1, 2026, SB316 requires all Virginia notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts.
Is there a notary exam in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not require a notary exam or training course (currently).
Do I need a surety bond in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not require a surety bond or E&O insurance.
How long does a Virginia notary commission last?
4 years. Renew through the Secretary of the Commonwealth before your commission expires.
Can Virginia notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Virginia was one of the first states to authorize RON. Register as an electronic notary through the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in North Carolina
- How to Become a Notary in Georgia
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Secretary of the Commonwealth and SB316/HB163.
