Notary Info and Requirements by State

Learn how to become a Notary, Stamp and Seal Requirements, Recordbook Requirements, Authorized Notarial Duties, State Contact Info and more!

State Information for Virginia

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Commonwealth of Virginia Notary Requirements and Information

Virginia Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
• be at least 18 years old;
• be able to read and write English;
• be a legal resident of the U.S.;
• live or work in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
• not have been convicted of a felony. If convicted of a felony he/she must have their civil rights restored.

How to Apply to Become a Virginia Notary
See detailed information including applicable fees, on the website of the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth: https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions/notary-application-process/

Appointing Officer
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Term of Office
4 year term.

Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Not required.

Notary Bond Requirement
Not required.

Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
• Paper notarial acts – not required.
• Electronic notarial acts – electronic record required. Must be chronological and provide for a backup. See Code of Virginia Sec. 47.1-14(c) for specifications. If an electronic notarial act is performed utilizing audio/video technology authorized under §47.1-2, the Notary must electronically record the act and keep a copy of the recording.

Notary Seal Requirement
• Ink stamp or embossing seal required, paper notarial acts. Must be sharp, legible, permanent and photographically reproducible.
• Electronic seal required/specified, electronic notarial acts; electronic seal’s information or text is prescribed in the eNotarization Assurance Standard.

Authorized Duties
• Oaths/affirmations;
• acknowledgments and proofs;
• certify affidavits or depositions;
• certify copies;
• perform verifications of fact.
• A Virginia Electronic Notary may perform these notarial acts using audio-video communication, for a remotely located individual and subject to applicable law, rules and Virginia’s eNotarization Assurance Standard.

Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth: https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions/online-notary-application-renewal/

Contact Information for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Commonwealth of Virginia Notary Website
https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions/

Commonwealth of Virginia Notary Handbook
https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/secretary-of-the-commonwealth/pdf/2017-December-15-revised-Handbook-.pdf

Commonwealth of Virginia Online Notary Search
https://solutions.virginia.gov/Notary/Search/Search

Phone Number
(804) 692-1795

Mailing Address
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
PO Box 1795
Richmond, VA 23218-1795

Apostilles, Certifications and Authentications Information

Phone Number
(804) 692-0114

Further Information
https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/authentications/

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