Notary Public in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Est. total cost
Time to complete
route How to become a notary public in Virginia
To become a Notary Public in Virginia, applicants must apply through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth. Key steps include meeting eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the U.S., and able to read and write English, as well as having no felony convictions unless pardoned or rights restored. There is no exam required, but the application must be notarized by a Virginia Notary Public and a $45 application fee is required. After approval, applicants must take an oath of office at a Circuit Court within 60 days and pay an additional $10 fee. Virginia Notaries may perform notarizations outside the state if the document is for use in Virginia or by the U.S. government.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| State license | Required |
| Education | At least 18 years old, a legal resident of the U.S., able to read and write English, and a resident of Virginia or regularly employed in the state. No felony convictions unless pardoned or rights restored. |
| Exam | No exam required |
| Application fee | $45 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the U.S., able to read and write English, and a resident of Virginia or regularly employed in the state. No felony convictions unless pardoned or rights restored. The application must be notarized by a Virginia Notary Public. There is an additional $10 fee paid to the Circuit Court when taking the oath of office. Effective July 1, 2024, notaries renewing their commission in good standing are no longer required to appear before the Clerk to take an oath. |