How to Become a Notary in Virginia
Are you interested in serving the public and performing a valuable public service?
Becoming a Virginia Notary is an excellent way to do just that!
As a notary, you’ll be certified to serve as an impartial witness to essential documents such as deeds, contracts, loans, and other important papers.
In addition to being a rewarding job with excellent pay potential, becoming a notary also has its benefits; for example, it can help your career because it gives employers more confidence in your professionalism.
Whether you’re looking for extra income or interested in establishing yourself further professionally, getting commissioned as a Virginia Notary is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make an impact with their work.
Here’s what you need to know about how to become a Notary Public in Virginia.
Requirements to become a Virginia notary public
To be eligible to apply for a Virginia Notary Public Commission, you must be:
- Eighteen years old or older
- A legal resident of the United States
- Able to read and write English
- A Virginia resident or regularly employed in Virginia and perform notary services in connection with your job.
Who can’t get a Virginia notary commission?
Anyone convicted of a felony based on the laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any other state, cannot be appointed and commissioned as a notary public unless their civil rights have been reinstated.
How to apply to be a Virginia notary public
Step 1: Make sure that you are completely knowledgeable about all the contents of the Virginia Handbook for Notaries.
Step 2: Begin the application process on the Secretary of the Commonwealth website, and choose from available city or county circuit court locations to take your oath of office at the circuit court’s office. Once complete you’ll print out the online application, pay a $45 application fee, and print your receipt. You’ll need to create a notary management account on the website if you don’t already have one.
Step 3: You must have Part 3 of your notary application notarized by an active notary public. You must also mail your completed notary application and proof that you paid the fee online to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia. You will receive a confirmation notice from the Secretary of the Commonwealth when your notary application has been approved.
Step 4: You need to contact the circuit court to see if they have your notary commission certificate. You can make arrangements to take the oath of office and be sworn in if they do. You will need to pay a $10.00 fee to the clerk, take your oath of office, and then you will be sworn in.
Is training required to receive a notary commission in Virginia?
No, there is no formal training required to become a Virginia Notary Public, however it is highly recommended that you take an educational course.
An educational course will give you a better understanding of the laws and responsibilities associated with being a notary public and improve your ability to serve the public securely and efficiently.
Is an exam required to become a Notary in Virginia?
No, there is no exam required to become a Notary Public in Virginia.
Do I need a surety bond to be a Virginia notary public?
No, you do not need to purchase a surety bond to become a Virginia Notary Public
Do I need errors and omissions insurance to be a Virginia notary public?
No, you do not need errors and omissions insurance to become a Virginia Notary Public. However, it is highly recommended that you obtain an E&O policy as soon as possible after becoming a Notary Public in order to protect yourself and your business from any potential liability claims.
Is a notary stamp required for Virginia notaries?
Yes, it is required by Virginia law that all notaries must have an official stamp or state-required seal that meets certain requirements.
The notary seal should be affixed to all documents that you notarize.
Is a notary journal required for Virginia notaries?
No, Virginia does not require Notaries to keep a permanently bounded journal of their official notarial acts.
However, it is still strongly suggested that you maintain a journal with detailed records of all your notarial acts. This will help to protect you from any potential legal liability in the future.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Virginia?
Applying will cost applicants a fee of $45. After the approval has been granted, individuals must take their oath at Circuit Court for an additional price tag of $10.
As a Virginia Notary Public, you must gather your necessary notary supplies. The costs for these items will differ depending on the type and brand selected, but generally speaking, expect to pay about $15-$25 for a rubber stamp and anywhere from ten to fifty dollars for a recommended notarial journal (note: this is not legally required). Don’t forget that pens, sticky notes, and refill ink for your notary seal are essential too!
How long does it take to become a notary in Virginia?
Once the state gets your application, it usually takes two to three weeks for them to process it.
Will I need to renew my notary public commission in Virginia?
As a Notary in Virginia, your commission is valid for four years and expires on the last day of the month you were born.
To maintain status as a Notary, it must be renewed before that date each year.
The renewal process is the same as the original application and includes a renewal fee.
Can a Virginia notary be an electronic notary?
If you want to be an electronic Notary (eNotary) and have an electronic notary commission so you can provide electronic notary services, there are a few things you need to do.
First, you must already have a Virginia Notary Public commission and the corresponding eNotarization seal, electronic notary signature, and electronic notarization journal.
To complete your eNotary application, fill out the necessary form and pay the $45 fee online. Once you submit your application, you will be approved or denied via email.
If there are any issues with your application or payment, you will be refunded and notified via email why your application was not accepted.
Can Virginia notaries public perform remote online notarization?
To perform remote online notarization, notaries in Virginia must first be approved as electronic notaries and choose one of the approved technology vendors that provides services for remote notaries.
Can a Virginia notary public become a notary signing agent?
Yes, a Virginia Notary Public who is serious about their notary career can become a signing agent in Virginia.
All Notary Signing Agents must have an active Virginia Notary commission, must be licensed title insurance producers (have a title insurance license), and they should complete additional training and certifications to specialize in the signing of loan documents. Taking specialized training will help you launch your loan signing career.
A loan signing agents are necessary to help individuals close on real estate loans, refinances, and other loan documents.
The notary loan signing agent must witness the signing of these documents by the borrower(s) and ensure that all signatures are legitimate.
