How do I become a Notary Public?

To become a notary public for the Commonwealth of Virginia, submit a completed application to the Notary Department of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth along with a fee of $45.00 made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia by clicking Here​

Upon receipt of a completed application, proper endorsements and the correct fee, the Secretary, if satisfied the applicant is qualified to be appointed and commissioned as a notary public, prepares a notary commission for the applicant and forwards the commission to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in which the applicant elects to qualify.

The applicant should receive notice that the application has been approved within two to four weeks after the Secretary's Office receives the completed application. The notary has sixty days from date of the notice to present himself/herself to the court of his/her choosing to take the oath of office and pick up the commission certificate. At that time, the Clerk of Circuit Court will require an additional fee of $10.00 which should be made payable to the court.