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V i r g i n i a N o t a r i e s P u b l i c |
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RoseMarie is no longer a notary public. However, the information below may help you with regard to your own notary needs. |
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Where can one find a Notary Public? |
Places to find a Notary during regular business hours: These days, you may find a Notary right where you work in the personnel department. Most banks offer free Notary services to their regular customers during normal lobby hours. Notaries can usually be found in your local Circuit Courthouse during its normal hours of operations. In any event, no matter where you find a Notary, DO NOT sign the document until you are before the Notary. And REMEMBER, each person who requires notarial services, must take a legal* (state or federal government issued*) photo identification (that bears his/her signature) with him/her when they go to the Notary; one ID does not cover anyone but the one to whom it belongs. |
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What is a Notary Public? |
Per the Notary handbook, "A notary acts as an official, unbiased witness to the identity and signature of the person who comes before the notary for a specific purpose. The person may be taking an oath, giving oral or written testimony, or signing or acknowledging his or her signature on a legal document. In each case, the notary attests that certain formalities have been observed." |
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Who appoints Notaries Public and how long is an appointment? |
In Virginia, Notaries Public are appointed by the Governor for a term of four years. Such appointment expires at the end of the Notary's birth month of the fourth year. The commission expiration date is shown on the Notary certificate issued by the Commonwealth and must be included on each document notarized by the Notary. |
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How much does it cost to become a Notary Public? |
There are two fees associated with becoming a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The first is a $35 non-refundable processing fee payable by check or money order to the "Treasurer of Virginia" and is submitted with the completed application form. The second fee is $10 payable to the "Clerk of Court" and is paid at the time you receive your commission and are sworn into office. Check your locale as some Circuit Courts will not accept personal checks for this service. |
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How does one qualify to become a Notary Public? |
To apply to be appointed as a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia, one must: be at least 18 years old, live or work in Virginia, read and write English, have no felony conviction, complete and return the application with the requisite fee. |
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Does one have to take an exam to become a Notary Public? |
No. Notaries Public are not given an exam in Virginia. |
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How does one learn what they can do as a Notary Public? |
If appointed as a Notary Public, the Secretary of the Commonwealth may mail a Notary Public handbook along with the letter acknowledging the appointment. The handbook is available for download in PDF format, for free, on the web site of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. (See below.) That same web site and the Code of Virginia both offer additional details regarding the scope of the duties of Notaries Public. |
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Is a bond required? |
No. There is no requirement for Notaries to be bonded in Virginia. |
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How does one apply to become a Notary Public? |
Application forms are available at your local Circuit Court (civil division). You may call, write or appear in person to request an application. Applications are also available online at the web site of the Secretary of the Commonwealth (see below). After completing the application, you may return it to the Clerk of the Court with a check or money order for $35 payable to "Treasurer of Virginia." (Pay close attention to Part 2, below.) |
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What is on an application to become a Notary Public? |
The application form contains four parts: Part 1 requires typical personal information such as your name, street address, city and state, social security number, age, criminal history, citizenship and previous service as a Notary Public. Part 2 must be completed by an official empowered to take oaths such as a Notary, Deputy Clerk, or Clerk of the Court. Part 3 requires signature endorsements from two registered Virginia voters. Part 4 requires recommendation by a state official such as a Judge, Court Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Commonwealth's Attorney, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Virginia Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General or member of the Virginia General Assembly. The Clerk of Court can also help you with this if you do not have access to any of the required individuals. |
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How will I know if I'm appointed as a Notary Public? |
In 4-6 weeks, you should receive a letter from the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth advising whether or not the Governor approved your application for appointment. If approved, the letter may be attached to a Notary Public handbook that summarizes the laws governing Notaries Public in Virginia. If there is a problem with the application, it will be explained in the letter. In some jurisdictions, the Clerk of the Court will also send a letter asking you to come to the Circuit Court to take the oath of office before a Deputy Clerk and receive your Commission. If you do not receive a letter, and you've received the letter from the Secretary of the Commonwealth confirming your commission, wait 3-4 days and call the Clerk's office and inquire as to whether it has arrived. Then follow the Clerk's instructions. After appointment, you have sixty (60) days in which to claim your commission before it is returned to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
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What kinds of documents can a Notary Public notarize? |
Acknowledgements, Jurats, Oaths & Affirmations, Certification of an affidavit or deposition, Notary-certified copies of original documents. For additional information about the duties of a Notary Public, refer to the Virginia Notaries Handbook, contact your local Circuit Court, or the Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
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Can a Notary Public notarize documents for him- or herself, family members and friends? |
Notaries public can not notarize their own signature, the signature of their spouse or child, or any document to which they are, or may be, an interested party or stand to benefit. For example, a Notary Public cannot notarize a signature on a Will if s/he is a beneficiary of that Will. |
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Can a Notary Public notarize documents for a child, i.e., person under age 18? |
Generally, people under age 18 (children or minors) cannot enter into
legal agreements or contracts. However, it's my experience that different
attorneys have different opinions on this subject and for that reason, I do
not notarize documents for people under the age of 18. For better guidance on
any document at issue, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
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How is identification of a person requesting Notary services ascertained? |
If a person is not personally known to the Notary, legal* photo identification with signature should be requested as proof of identification. Notaries should never notarize any document that has been signed before it is brought to the Notary. |
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How much can a Notary charge? |
In Virginia, Notaries Public may charge a maximum of $5.00 per document. However, Notary fees vary by state. |
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Can a Notary Public charge for travel? |
Yes. A travel fee is allowed if agreed to in advance by the constituent requesting the Notary to travel. The current travel allowance is 48.5 cents per mile, round trip. |
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How does one renew a Notary Public commission? |
Notary Public commissions are not renewable in Virginia. The procedure outlined above for filing a new application must be repeated near the end of your four-year term for a new four-year term. |
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If appointed, what is the jurisdiction of a Notary Public? |
Notaries for the Commonwealth of Virginia serve the Commonwealth, at large. This means that a Notary Public may perform notary services anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In some instances, Notaries for the Commonwealth may perform certain notarial acts outside the Commonwealth, however such documents must be recorded in Virginia. |
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Is a seal required in Virginia? |
No. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require the use of a seal for documents remaining in state. However, it's a good idea to have a notary seal for any document that may be sent out-of-state. |
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How do I get a seal? |
Don't worry! Once you are appointed as a Notary, you'll get plenty of offers by mail to sell you seals and all sorts of other things notary related, none of which are required in Virginia. |
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Can a Notary in Virginia perform civil marriage ceremonies? |
No. The acts of a Virginia Notary Public are more limited than in some states. The authority to perform civil marriages is a separate office. |
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Who can I contact for an application to become a Notary Public? |
For information and/or an application, contact the Clerk of your local
Circuit Court (Civil Division), or call, write or apply online to the Office
of the Secretary of the Commonwealth: Valerie Adams, Notary Director http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/OfficialDocuments/Notary/notary.cfm |
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This page is provided as a courtesy for those interested in the
Office of Notary Public and is not intended as legal advice; therefore, the
information contained herein is provided without warranty of any kind. Notary
Public duties, requirements, fees, etc., vary by state. For the most
up-to-date information on the Office of Notary Public for the Commonwealth of
Virginia, contact your local Circuit Court, the Secretary of the
Commonwealth, or the Code of Virginia. copyright RoseMarie Dorer |
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