How to Become a Notary in Virginia (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Virginia notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Virginia state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Virginia — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Virginia or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Submit your application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and pay the $45 application fee. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. In Virginia, take your oath at your local Circuit Court ($10 fee). Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Virginia notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of the Commonwealth requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Virginia: $45.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Virginia. Traditional notary fees in Virginia: up to $10 per act (state-capped). Virginia also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON), capped at $25 per act — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your Virginia Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for Virginia. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
Virginia Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $45 |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$45 |
| Filing office | Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| RON available | Yes |
| Est. total startup cost | $90–$90 |
Application fee: $45 online. After approval, take your oath at the local Circuit Court ($10 fee). Commission granted by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. No bond required.
Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth — Official Virginia Notary Page ↗
What Can a Virginia Notary Charge?
Virginia caps notary fees at $10 per notarial act. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. $10 per act; $25 for RON. State sets allowable travel fee schedule.
Source: Virginia Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Virginia Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Virginia notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →