Notary Public

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is responsible for the commissioning of Notaries Public in Virginia, pursuant to Section 47.1-8 of the Code of Virginia. At any given time, approximately 120,000 Virginians are commissioned as a Notary Public.

To be eligible to apply for a Virginia Notary Public Commission, you must be:

1. at least eighteen years old,
2. able to read and write the English language,
3. be a legal resident of the United States,
4. live or work in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and
5. have not been convicted of a felony.

Any person who has ever been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States or this Commonwealth, or the laws of any other state, shall not qualify to be appointed and commissioned as a Virginia Notary Public unless such person has had his/her rights restored.

Time Limits:

1. Applicant has 60 days from date of appointment to take the oath at the requested Clerk's Office. After 60 days the commission will be returned to the Secretary of Commonwealth, and applicant must reapply.
2. Notary commission is valid for four years.

Please visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website for detailed steps on how to apply »