How to become a notary in Virginia: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in Virginia: Who can apply: At least 18; a legal resident (citizen or permanent resident) of the United States; able to read and write English; a Virginia resident, or regularly employed in Virginia and notarizing in connection with that job; no felony conviction unless pardoned, vacated or civil rights restored. Bond: No bond is required to obtain a commission. Commission term: Four years, expiring on the last day of your birth month. Commissions are issued by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Notary requirements in Virginia
| Requirement | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a legal resident (citizen or permanent resident) of the United States; able to read and write English; a Virginia resident, or regularly employed in Virginia and notarizing in connection with that job; no felony conviction unless pardoned, vacated or civil rights restored. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
| Bond | No bond is required to obtain a commission. |
| Commission term | Four years, expiring on the last day of your birth month. |
| State fee | A $45 non-refundable application fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, plus a $10 fee to the circuit court clerk when you take the oath. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
| Oath and filing | Claim your commission and take the oath of office at the circuit court you chose, within 60 days of issuance, or the commission becomes invalid. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Virginia
- Send the completed application and the $45 non-refundable fee to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- Your commission is sent to the circuit court you chose for your oath, and you receive a notice.
- Within 60 days, go to that circuit court, claim the commission, take the oath and pay the $10 clerk fee.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, Become a Notary or Renew My Commission, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, A Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public (revised October 7, 2026), official source, read Nov 5, 2026.