How to Become a Notary in Virginia (2026 Guide)
Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →
Key Takeaways
- No exam or training course required yet, no bond; a mandatory course and written exam arrive July 1, 2027 (initial and renewal)
- 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; seal vendors now require proof of commission
- Journal required since July 1, 2026 for all notaries, including traditional paper notaries (kept at least 5 years), under HB163/SB316
- 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 the calendar matters now: HB163/SB316 took effect July 1, 2026 and requires every Virginia notary, including traditional paper notaries, to keep a journal, with seal purchases gated behind proof of commission. A mandatory education course and written exam follow on July 1, 2027. Here’s the current process.
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) and a journal (required). Since July 1, 2026, you must present proof of your commission to the seal vendor, and both you and the vendor keep that proof for five years. Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50.
Journal Rules in Virginia
Virginia now requires a journal of every notary. Under HB163/SB316, effective July 1, 2026, the record of any nonelectronic notarial act performed on or after that date must be maintained, all notaries including traditional paper notaries keep a journal of notarial acts, and the records are kept for at least five years. The same law requires proof of commission to buy a seal or stamp (retained five years by both parties) and sets a statutory standard of care for settlement agents. Effective July 1, 2027, a mandatory education and training course plus a written examination applies to initial commissions and recommissions alike, with the training completed within six months before application. The current Virginia Notary Handbook and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s July 2026 law-change notice are the sources for all of this.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee (Secretary of Commonwealth) | $45 |
| Court fee (circuit clerk) | $10 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (required since 7/1/2026) | $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, expiring on the last day of your birth month. Renew through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online portal, and plan for the July 1, 2027 change: from that date, recommissions require the mandatory education course and written examination, not just today’s notaries. Recommissioning notaries in good standing skip the courthouse oath. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Virginia was one of the first states to authorize remote online notarization. To perform RON, hold a current commission, then submit the Electronic Notary Application online with its own $45 non-refundable fee, describing the technology you will use (Code 47.1-7). You’ll need an approved RON platform and the additional procedures that come with it. See our signing agent guide for more on building a RON practice.
Fee Schedule
Virginia sets a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act. For electronic notarizations, the maximum is $25. You may also charge reasonable travel expenses 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. The journal every Virginia notary now keeps documents the notarization if a family-member signing is ever challenged.
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 | 5 years |
| Max Fee | $10 | $5 | $8 | $5 |
| Journal | Required (all notaries, 7/2026) | Recommended | Required | Recommended |
Virginia has minimal requirements: no bond, no exam, no training. No journal requirement is on the books, despite online claims about a 2026 mandate. 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?
Yes, since July 1, 2026. HB163/SB316 requires every Virginia notary, including traditional paper notaries, to keep a journal of notarial acts and retain the records at least five years. Earlier claims that no such law existed are out of date.
Is there a notary exam in Virginia?
Not yet. No exam or course is required today, but a mandatory education course and written examination take effect July 1, 2027 for both initial commissions and recommissions.
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, expiring on the last day of your birth month. Renew through the Secretary of the Commonwealth before your commission expires.
How much can a Virginia notary charge?
Up to $10 per notarial act, up to $25 for electronic notarizations, plus reasonable travel expenses agreed in advance.
What changed for Virginia notaries on July 1, 2026?
Three things under HB163/SB316: a journal is required for all notaries (five-year retention), seal and stamp purchases require proof of commission (kept five years by you and the vendor), and settlement agents now work under a statutory standard of care.
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.
