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How to become a notary public in Virginia. Commission term: 4 years (expires last day of birth month). Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
Governing Authority
Secretary of the Commonwealth (Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth)
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4 years (expires last day of birth month)
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
You must be a legal resident of Virginia (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Submit your application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth (Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth). Application fee: $45 (SOS) + $10 (Circuit Court).
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Virginia requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $75-$95.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 4 years (expires last day of birth month). You can then begin performing notarial acts in Virginia. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a Virginia resident or regularly employed in Virginia.
Citizenship
No specific citizenship requirement; must be legally qualified
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo education course required.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required.
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Not RequiredNo bond required in Virginia.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $45 (SOS) + $10 (Circuit Court) |
Bond Premium No bond required | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost SOS fee + court fee + seal | $75-$95 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Submit application with $45 fee to Secretary of the Commonwealth
Receive commission certificate
Claim commission at Circuit Court and pay $10 fee
Take oath of office at Circuit Court
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
4 years (expires last day of birth month)
Renewal Process
File new application with SOS every 4th year.
Renewal Fee
$45 (SOS) + $10 (Circuit Court)
Virginia was the first state to authorize remote online notarization (2012).
Additional Requirements
Must register as an electronic notary. Additional requirements apply.
What Makes Virginia Unique
Virginia was the first state to authorize remote online notarization in 2012. Commission expires on the last day of birth month.
Virginia was the first state to authorize RON (2012).
No bond, exam, or education required.
Commission expires on last day of birth month.
Must claim commission at Circuit Court.
Notary requirements in nearby states
| State | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | 4–17 wks | |
| District of Columbia | 4–17 wks | → |
| Kentucky | 4–17 wks | → |
| Maryland | 4–17 wks | → |
| North Carolina | 4–17 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Virginia
See how Virginia compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to Virginia →
Transfer your Notary license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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