First, confirm that you qualify.
Virginia’s Secretary of the Commonwealth says an applicant must meet the following qualifications:
Your application path.
Create your application
Use Virginia’s Notary Management Account system to answer the application questions and generate your application.
Print the generated PDF
Review it carefully. Your commissioned name must exactly match your state-issued identification.
Pay the $45 application fee
The fee is non-refundable. Virginia accepts an online credit-card payment or a check or money order mailed with the application.
Have Part 3 notarized
Your signature on the printed application must be notarized by a traditional Virginia Notary Public before mailing.
Mail the completed application
Include the notarized application and payment receipt—or the applicable check or money order—to the Notary Office at P.O. Box 1795, Richmond, Virginia 23218.
Watch for approval
General processing time is about three weeks. After approval, contact the Circuit Court selected on your application to confirm that your commission arrived.
Take your oath and claim your commission
Make arrangements with the Circuit Court, pay the $10 court fee, and take the oath. You must claim the commission within 60 days after it is issued.
Order your seal and prepare your records
After receiving proof of commission, order a compliant seal from an outside vendor. Keep a secure record of every notarial act as required by current Virginia law.
Important timing note.
Virginia law lists a new course-of-instruction requirement beginning July 1, 2027. Requirements can change, so always review the official state application page immediately before applying.
Official Virginia resources.
This page is educational and is not legal advice or an official state application. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is the authoritative source for Virginia notary requirements.