|
Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Virginia commissions notaries public for a four-year term through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Remote online notarization is an electronic notarial act. You must first hold a traditional commission, pick it up at the selected circuit court, and take the oath. Then purchase an electronic seal and file a separate Electronic Notary application ($45, non-refundable).
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site. Confirm the handbook dated July 6, 2026, and any later notices on Notary Commissions.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a Virginia notary public, you must meet all of the following:
|
|
|
Start Here: Traditional Commission, Then Electronic Notary
File the traditional application first. Claim the commission at the circuit court within 60 days and take the oath. Only then buy an electronic seal and file the Electronic Notary application.
|
1
|
Read the official notary and eNotary pages Open Notary Commissions, Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public, and Learn About Becoming an Electronic Notary. |
|
2
|
Apply for the traditional commission Create the application through Notary Management Login. The fee is $45 (non-refundable). The application must be notarized by a traditional Virginia notary—not an electronic notary. |
|
3
|
If you already hold a current Virginia commission, apply as an electronic notary before the first remote session Purchase an electronic seal, then file at Online eNotary Application. |
Part 1: Traditional Virginia Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired traditional Virginia notary public commission and have taken the oath. You cannot file the Electronic Notary application until the traditional commission is in place.
Checklist
|
1
|
Review the official how-to Notary Commissions, Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public, and Code of Virginia Title 47.1. |
|
2
|
Complete traditional notary education Not listed as a required statewide pre-commission course or exam on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s notary pages. |
|
3
|
Obtain a surety bond Not applicable. Virginia does not require a notary bond. |
|
4
|
Submit the traditional application File through Notary Management Login with the $45 fee. Processing is often 2 to 3 weeks. The commission is sent to the circuit court you selected. |
|
5
|
Claim the commission and take the oath within 60 days Pick up the certificate at the circuit court and take the oath. If you miss the 60-day window you must reapply and repay. The Secretary of the Commonwealth does not issue duplicate certificates (Notary Commissions). |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Virginia’s electronic notary commission expires on the same date as the traditional commission. Buy the electronic seal before you apply. The application is not complete until the Electronic Notary Application, the signature page including the electronic notary seal, and payment have been received.
Have these ready
|
|
|
|
Checklist
|
1
|
Read the official online-notary instructions Learn About Becoming an Electronic Notary, pages covering electronic notaries in Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public, and Code of Virginia Title 47.1 § 47.1-7. |
|
2
|
Complete online notary education Not listed as a required Secretary of the Commonwealth eNotary course or exam. Follow any training your technology vendor requires so you can complete the electronic signature and seal. |
|
3
|
Start the online commission application Use Online eNotary Application. Provide your traditional commission number, a valid email, your name exactly as commissioned, a general description of the technology, and certification of compliance with electronic notary standards. |
|
4
|
Sign with a digital certificate Sign the Electronic Notary Application using the electronic signature described in the form, including any decrypting instructions needed to read it. Transmit the application electronically. |
|
5
|
Upload your electronic seal Include the signature page with the electronic notary seal. The application will not be reviewed until that page and payment are received. |
|
6
|
Pay and submit Pay $45 (non-refundable) by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express at the end of the online application. Wait for an approval email before the first electronic or remote act. If you change technology during the term, notify the Secretary electronically within 90 days. |
After You Are Commissioned
|
|
Do not perform an electronic or remote notarization until you receive the approval email. A traditional notary application cannot be notarized by an electronic notary.
Fees Listed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Traditional and electronic application fees are from Notary Commissions and Learn About Becoming an Electronic Notary. Confirm them there before you pay. Seal, certificate, and platform charges are extra. A traditional notary may charge up to $10 per act; an electronic notary may charge up to $25 per electronic notarial act.
| Item | Listed amount |
|---|---|
| Traditional notary education | Not listed as a required statewide course or exam |
| Electronic notary education | Not listed as a required Secretary of the Commonwealth course |
| Traditional application (new or renewal) | $45 (non-refundable) |
| Electronic Notary application | $45 (non-refundable) |
| Surety bond | Not required |
Official Virginia Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary Commissions | commonwealth.virginia.gov/official-documents/notary-commissions |
| Electronic Notary | commonwealth.virginia.gov/.../enotary |
| Notary Management Login | notary.solutions.virginia.gov |
| Notary office | (804) 692-2536 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the electronic commission first?
A: No. You must first be a commissioned Virginia notary public and have received the commission certificate from the circuit court.
Q: Does Virginia approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The Secretary of the Commonwealth does not recommend a vendor. You describe the technology on the Electronic Notary application and notify the office within 90 days if you change it.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Commissions, Learn About Becoming an Electronic Notary, and Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public. Confirm the current handbook date before you rely on an older PDF.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
