Notary answers without the confusion.

A notary is an impartial public official who verifies identity and witnesses specific signing formalities. A notarization does not prove that every statement in a document is true or that the document is legally effective.

Bring the complete document and an acceptable, unexpired identification document. Depending on the request, additional signers or witnesses may also be needed. Contact us before the appointment so we can review the basics with you.

Please ask first. Some acknowledgments may involve a signature made earlier, but sworn documents require an oath or affirmation and the required personal appearance. Waiting prevents an unnecessary second signing.

The person whose signature or act is being notarized must personally appear before the notary, unless a lawful remote electronic notarization process applies.

A nonattorney notary cannot select, draft, or explain a document or notarial certificate as legal advice. The document recipient, issuing agency, or your attorney should tell you which notarial act is required.

No. Virginia notaries may not place their signature or seal on an incomplete notarial certificate, and a notary may decline a document when required information is missing.

Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify true copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Those certified copies must come from the appropriate vital-records office.

Yes. We offer remote online notarization 24/7 by appointment for eligible documents and signers. You will need an acceptable, unexpired government-issued photo ID, reliable internet, and a device with a camera and microphone.

Electronic notarization means the document, signature, and notary seal are electronic. The signer may still be physically present with the electronic notary. Remote online notarization (RON) is a specific type of electronic notarization where the signer and notary are not in the same physical location. They meet through secure live audio-video technology, and the signer completes the required remote identity-verification process.

The fee is $25 per electronic notarial act. Your total depends on the number of notarial acts required and will be confirmed before the appointment. Any fee charged directly by the online platform will be shown before checkout.

Call or text us at 757-514-1113, or email onthegonotarysolutions@gmail.com. Include your document type, location, preferred date and time, and whether you are asking about in-person or remote service.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth lists a non-refundable $45 application fee. After approval, the selected Circuit Court charges a $10 fee when you take your oath and claim the commission.

Virginia lists a general processing time of about three weeks for a completed application. The applicant should monitor the application status and follow up with the selected Circuit Court.

You must claim it from the selected Circuit Court within 60 days after issuance. Missing that deadline requires a new application and another application fee.

A commission lasts four years and expires in the fourth calendar year after issuance, on the last day of the notary’s birth month.

No. The 2026 Virginia Notary Handbook states that Virginia notaries are not required to post a bond.

Visit our How to Become a Virginia Notary page, then confirm the latest requirements through the Secretary of the Commonwealth before applying.