The Steps to Getting Your Notary Commission in Virginia

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of becoming a notary in Virginia.

A notary public is a state-appointed official who acts as an unbiased witness to the identity and signature of someone who requires notarization service. Common notarization offerings include oaths, acknowledgements and jurats.

To become a notary public in Virginia, you must meet the Secretary of the Commonwealth's qualification requirements, complete the application and take an oath.

Here are step-by-step instructions that explain the notary application process so you can get commissioned and start notarizing.

1) Meet Virginia's Qualification Requirements to be a Notary Public

All applicants must meet the following Virginia notary requirements before they can obtain a commission:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a legal resident in the United States.
  • Be able to read, write and understand English.
  • Be a Virginia resident or regularly employed in the state and complete notary services for their employer.
  • Have no felony convictions in Virginia or another state, unless they have had their civil rights restored.

2) Complete the Notary Application

New notary applicants can get a notary application from most Circuit Court Clerk's offices or on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. If it's your first time applying online, click Register to create an account.

Answer the application's interview questions and print the PDF version of the application generated at the end of the process (online version only).

Then, add your signature on Part 3 of your printed application and have it notarized by an active Virginia notary.

3) Mail the Application to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth

Mail your completed and notarized application along with the $45 application fee to:

Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
P.O. Box 1795
Richmond, Virginia 23218

Online applicants can pay by credit card. Make sure your printed application's barcode number matches the receipt's invoice number to ensure proper payment.

Make checks/money orders payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

4) Accept Your Commission and Take Your Oath at a Circuit Court

Each notary commission is sent to the city or county Circuit Court in which the applicant has elected to take the oath of office. You will be notified once your application is approved. The court will either send a letter to your preferred mailing address indicated on your application or email it to you.

Once notified, contact the Circuit Court you selected on your application to schedule your time to claim your commission and take the oath of office. The oath requires a $10 fee to be paid to the court.

Once issued, you must claim your commission from the Circuit Court within 60 days. If you don't, you'll need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.

5) Complete the Notary Commission Certificate Process

Once you claim your commission, you'll need some supplies before you can sign and seal anything.

We offer everything a new notary needs to get started. If you purchased a notary stamp from us, email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com so we can create it. Your stamp will meet or exceed all state requirements.

A notary journal is not required, but the Secretary of the Commonwealth recommends that each notary maintain a journal that provides a record of all notarial acts performed. This provides evidence for resolving future disputes over the authenticity of signatures and documents. The journal may also provide proof that you have lawfully performed your notarial duties.

You may purchase a journal and much more from our supplies page.