Official Notarial Services in the State of Virginia
Commissioned notaries in Virginia are able to perform a list of notarial acts that include:
- Verification of facts
- Certifying copies of documents
- Certifying depositions
- Certifying affidavits
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking acknowledgements
As is true of all states, the notarial acts in Virginia will each have their own, specific purpose and must be performed with attention to detail and appropriate methods. One of the most important is the use of the Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal to mark any document that is involved in the notarial act.
Your Notary Stamp and Its Design
When you have been given a commission as a notary in Virginia, you will then have to acquire a Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal per the state's guidelines. These guidelines include:
- The Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal must be legible, permanent, sharp/clear, and photographically reproducible
- The Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal must not, in any way, obscure or block any other information in a document
- The Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal must contain specific text that includes the name of the notary (as they were commissioned), the title "Notary Public" and the name of the state written as "Commonwealth of Virginia".
- A Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal may also indicate the current expiration date of a commission (As commissions renew every four years it will require a new seal when the dates change)
- The seal may also indicate the commission number, but this is not mandatory information in most notarial acts
Obviously, the work of a notary in Virginia is very serious, and it takes a few steps before you can purchase your custom Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal and begin helping businesses, financial institutions, legal offices, and everyday people with your services.
A traditional notary in the state must qualify for the role by meeting several specific stipulations. If they do, they will then have to apply for the commission, which includes paying a fee along with the written application. In Virginia, you must post a bond of surety in order to receive a
commission, and the state also suggests liability insurance as well.Once these things are done, applicants will take the oath of office and receive formal word of their commission. At that time, they must acquire an appropriate Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal as well as begin keeping a notary journal.
What Else You Might Need
Although it is only the Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal that is mandatory, it is strongly recommended that any notary in Virginia document each use of the Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal and track each notarial act done. Because documents that you notarize may leave the state borders it is important to keep note of the work you have done, and a typical notary public's journal is the most appropriate course of action.
Your seal is a sign that you have reviewed a document, provided the necessary notarial wording, and operated within your authorized capacity. It must be clear, sharp and used correctly, and it is sure to prove you are a professional who is dedicated to doing the best job possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information must appear on a Virginia notary public stamp and seal?
A Virginia notary public stamp and seal should include the notary’s commissioned name, the title “Notary Public,” and “Commonwealth of Virginia.” It may also include the commission expiration date and commission number, but those are not always required.
What are the legal requirements for a Virginia notary stamp and seal?
Virginia requires the stamp and seal to be legible, permanent, sharp, clear, and photographically reproducible. It also must not obscure any other information on the document and should be used only within the notary’s authorized commission.
Do Virginia notaries need both a stamp and a seal?
In Virginia, the notary stamp and seal are commonly referenced together as the official notarial tool used to authenticate documents. The important part is that the official mark meets Virginia’s requirements and clearly identifies the notary and the Commonwealth.
How often does a Virginia notary public seal need to be replaced?
Virginia notary commissions renew every four years, so a seal should be updated when the commission expiration date changes. If your seal includes the expiration date, you will need a new one each time you are recommissioned.
What notarial acts can a Virginia notary perform with a stamp and seal?
A commissioned Virginia notary can perform acknowledgements, administer oaths and affirmations, certify copies of documents, certify depositions, certify affidavits, and verify facts, depending on the notarial act and the document requirements.
Is a notary journal required in Virginia?
A notary journal is not the only required item, but it is strongly recommended for tracking each notarial act. Keeping a journal helps you document your work, support accurate recordkeeping, and maintain professionalism when notarizing documents that may be used outside Virginia.
