From the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley to the bustling corridors of Northern Virginia, notaries public play a quiet but essential role in keeping business and legal matters moving across the Commonwealth. Whether you’re looking to add a professional credential to your resume in Richmond, serve your rural community in Southwest Virginia, or offer mobile notary services in the Hampton Roads area, becoming a notary in Virginia is one of the most accessible paths to a meaningful side gig or career enhancement. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Virginia?
Virginia keeps the eligibility bar straightforward. To qualify as a notary public in the Commonwealth, you need to meet three basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Virginia (you’ll need to prove this with your residential address)
- Have no felony convictions unless you’ve received a pardon
That’s it. There’s no exam to pass and no specific educational background required. If you meet these three criteria, you’re eligible to apply.
What You’ll Need
Before you dive into the application, take a few minutes to get your ducks in a row. Having everything ready upfront means fewer delays and a smoother process overall:
- A valid government-issued photo ID — your Virginia driver’s license or state ID works perfectly
- The $45 filing fee — budget for this upfront so you’re not caught off guard
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to purchase any notary supplies before applying. Wait until your commission is approved before ordering your stamp and journal, since you’ll want to make sure everything matches your official commission name exactly.
Step 1: Complete the Application
Submit your notary application to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth — that’s the office that commissions Virginia notaries. You’ll provide your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Double-check that every detail is accurate — even a small mismatch between your application and your ID can cause headaches down the road. The application asks for the county where you primarily reside, which matters because that’s where you’ll file your oath of office later.
Take your time filling this out. There’s no rush, and getting it right the first time is always faster than correcting a rejected application.
Step 2: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, though it can occasionally be faster or slower depending on the volume of applications the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office is handling. Once approved, you’ll receive your commission certificate by mail. This document is important — hold onto it, because you’ll need it for the next step.
Your commission is valid for four years, so mark your calendar with the expiration date as soon as you receive it. Trust us, future you will be grateful.
Step 3: Get Your Notary Supplies
Once your commission is in hand, it’s time to gear up. You’ll need two essentials:
- A Virginia notary stamp — this must meet state requirements for format, size, and the specific information it displays. Don’t just buy any stamp off the internet; make sure it’s specifically designed for Virginia notaries.
- A notary record book (journal) — Virginia has not historically required one, but the rules changed on July 1, 2026 under HB 163, so verify the current journal requirement with the Secretary of the Commonwealth before your first notarization. Either way, a journal is your best defense if a notarization is ever questioned.
When ordering your stamp, use the exact name listed on your commission certificate. Even a missing middle initial or a slight variation can render your notarizations vulnerable to challenge.
Step 4: File Your Oath of Office
This is the step that trips up more Virginia notary applicants than any other. You must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office — typically the circuit court clerk in the county where you reside. This step is mandatory, and your commission is not fully active until it’s completed.
Bring your commission certificate and a valid photo ID to the clerk’s office. There may be a small recording fee charged by the county, so it’s worth calling ahead or checking the clerk’s website. Do not perform any notarial acts until this oath is properly filed.
Common Mistakes New Virginia Notaries Make
Learning from others’ missteps can save you a lot of trouble. Here are the four most common pitfalls for first-time notaries in Virginia:
-
Not filing the oath before performing acts — This is the big one. Your commission may become void if you skip this step, and any notarizations you perform could be invalidated. File the oath first, always.
-
Using an incorrect stamp format — Your stamp must meet Virginia’s requirements exactly. This includes specific elements like your name, commission number, and expiration date. An out-of-spec stamp can cause rejected documents and frustrated clients.
-
Letting your commission expire — Reappointment can take weeks, so don’t wait until the last minute. Start the renewal process well before your four-year term ends to avoid a gap in your ability to notarize.
-
Notarizing without the signer physically present — Even with remote online notarization available in Virginia (more on that below), traditional notarizations require the signer to be right in front of you. Notarizing for someone who isn’t physically present under traditional rules is grounds for revocation of your commission — and potentially criminal charges.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you’ll spend to get set up as a Virginia notary:
- Application fee: $45
- Notary stamp: $15–$30
- Notary journal: $15–$25
Your total out-of-pocket cost will land somewhere around $75–$100, depending on where you purchase your supplies and whether you opt for a basic or premium stamp. Keep in mind that there may also be a small fee at the circuit court when you file your oath of office, so budget a few extra dollars just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a notary in Virginia?
From the moment you submit your application to having your supplies in hand and your oath filed, the process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Most of that time is just waiting for the Secretary of the Commonwealth to process your application and mail your commission.
Can I perform remote online notarizations in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia authorizes remote online notarization (RON), making it one of the earlier states to embrace this technology. You’ll need to use an approved RON platform and meet additional technology and training requirements beyond what’s needed for traditional notarizations.
Do I need errors & omissions insurance?
Virginia law does not require it, but errors & omissions insurance is strongly recommended. Without it, a single honest mistake could land you with significant out-of-pocket legal costs. Policies are relatively affordable and provide real peace of mind.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Virginia caps notarial fees at $10 per notarial act. That may not sound like much on its own, but it adds up — especially if you’re offering mobile notary services and charging additional travel fees, which Virginia generally permits.
Can a Virginia notary perform weddings?
No. Despite what you may have read elsewhere, Virginia notaries cannot solemnize marriages. In the United States, notary marriage authority exists only in Florida, Maine, South Carolina, and Tennessee. If wedding officiating is your goal in Virginia, you’ll need to pursue ordination or one of the state’s other officiant routes — a notary commission won’t get you there.
State-Specific Notes
-
Remote notarization: Virginia allows remote online notarization (RON) and has been a relatively early adopter of this technology compared to many other states.
-
Journal rules changed recently: Virginia historically didn’t require a journal, but HB 163 took effect July 1, 2026 — verify the current journal requirement with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and treat a journal as a best practice regardless.
-
No wedding authority: Virginia notaries cannot perform marriage ceremonies. Notary solemnization authority exists only in Florida, Maine, South Carolina, and Tennessee — anyone telling you otherwise is working from bad information.
Becoming a notary in Virginia is a solid investment in your professional toolkit. The process is approachable, the costs are reasonable, and the credential opens doors across a wide range of industries — from real estate and finance to law and healthcare. Gather your documents, file that application, and before you know it, you’ll be a commissioned notary public serving the Commonwealth.
Sources
Disclosure: we may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Virginia commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
*RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization (our sister site) — Virginia supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Virginia notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
