Renew Your Notary License in Virginia Today — The Process from Application to Oath

If you want to continue working as a notary public, you must renew your commission. This page explains how to renew a Virginia notary commission and answers a few frequently asked questions.

How to Renew Your Commission

To renew your commission, you must submit an application within the 30-day window after your commission's expiration date. As long as you still meet Virginia's eligibility requirements, you can follow the steps listed below to renew.

1. Complete an Online Renewal Application

Eligible notaries can renew online without submitting a notarized paper application. You can only use the online application with an electronic signature if:

  • You are applying within 30 days of your commission's expiration date.
  • Your renewal name is an exact match to the name on your current commission.
  • You can pay online with a credit card at the time the application is entered and signed.

Apply by logging into your account on the Notary Management portal. Once you're logged in, the renewal application link becomes available. Then, you can answer all the interview questions found on the online application.

2. Review the State Online Renewal Application

Review the information on your application for accuracy and electronically sign the document by typing your name exactly as the commission will read.

You can pay the $45 non-refundable application fee with a credit card. Once you have electronically signed and paid the fee, the Secretary of the Commonwealth will process your application.

Note: If your commission expires in the first few months of the calendar year (January, February, March), you should submit your application after the start of the new year. Applications approved prior to January will result in the commission expiring one year earlier than anticipated.

3. Take Your Oath at a Circuit Court

After five to seven business days, you'll be notified that your commission was sent to the Circuit Court you selected on your application. The court will also notify you when your application is approved. At that time, you must complete the renewal process by contacting the court to schedule your oath. There is a $10 fee paid at that time to the court.

If two and a half weeks pass and you haven't received your approval notification, check your application status online or email the Secretary of the Commonwealth at notary@governor.virginia.gov.

4. Complete the Notary Commission Certificate Process

Once commissioned as a notary public in the state of Virginia, you can pick up your certificate at the Circuit Court. By law, you must claim your commission from the court within 60 days after it is issued. If you fail to do so, you must submit a new application and a new fee.

If you purchased a notary stamp from us, email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com so we can create your stamp that meets or exceeds all state requirements.

Do you need to restock supplies like oath stamps, gold foil labels or stamp ink? We have what you need! Visit our supplies store here.

More Information About the Renewal Process

How much does it cost to renew?

The total cost of renewing a Virginia notary commission includes non-refundable application and oath fees that go to the state. Separate charges include a new stamp and other supplies you may want.

Visit our Virginia notary page for great prices on all the supplies you need for your new notary term!

Can I renew online?

Yes. Visit the Secretary of Commonwealth notary application page to start the renewal process.

How early can I renew my notary in Virginia?

You may renew your notary commission 30 days prior to the commission expiration date of your current commission. If your commission expired over 30 days ago or your name changed, you must apply as a new notary applicant.