Becoming a Notary in Becoming a Notary in VirginiaVirginia

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So you want to be a So you want to be a Notary?Notary?

• A Notary Public 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.

Just what does a Notary Just what does a Notary do?do?

Notarial acts include, but are not limited to:

• Taking Acknowledgments

• Administering Oaths

• Certifying affidavits

• Certifying depositions

• Certifying “true copies” of document

QualificationsQualifications

A Notary must be:

• at least 18 years of age

• able to read and write the English language

• regularly employed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Getting StartedGetting Started

• Download application form from website www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/Notary/notary.cfm

• Fill out the application and have two witnesses sign it. Next have the Clerk of Circuit Court sign and notarize it, attach a check for $35.00 and mail to the address on the application.

Waiting PeriodWaiting Period

Once the application is mailed in, the turn around time is approximately 5 - 6 weeks.

Getting your commissionGetting your commission

Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter from the Governor of Virginia congratulating you on your Notary assignment.

Final stepFinal step

Within sixty days of receiving your appointment letter, you must then present yourself to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and be sworn in. Before receiving your commission, you must pay $10.00 to the clerk.

How long does it last?How long does it last?

The notary’s commission is for a term of four years, expiring on the last day of the month in which the notary was born. The commission can be renewed every fourth year by filing a new application with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Notary SuppliesNotary Supplies

Virginia does not require the use of a seal however most Notaries still use them as a matter of tradition. If you chose to use one, It has a delivery time of approximately 2 weeks.

Notary OrganizationsNotary Organizations

There are several Notary Organizations to help you in your job. Each requires membership but each is a very useful tool to the Notary.

– The National Notary Association has a website at www.nationalnotary.org

– The United States Notary Association’s website is www.enotary.org

InsuranceInsurance

As a notary in Virginia, insurance is not required however, it is recommended.

Errors and Omissions insurance will insure the notary if innocent mistakes end up costing a company money. The company can sue the notary for damages. Insurance pays the claim

Potential IncomePotential Income

As a notary in Virginia, you can charge $3.00 per signature notarized.

As a certified signing agent, you can earn about $65.00 for a loan signing notarization.

Why become certified?Why become certified?

• A notary can not make a living on basic notary services alone. Being certified allows the notary to be present at loan signings, document authentication's etc thus allowing the notary to make between $65.00 and $100.00 per witness.

How do I become How do I become certified?certified?

To become certified, you can either take a training course in person or order the materials, study and take the test online. Costs vary depending on the route you take but expect costs to be at least $145.00 for this certification.

How notorial time may be How notorial time may be divideddivided

COURT APPTS GENERAL

LOAN CLOSING E-NOTARIZATIONS

Getting the word outGetting the word out

So you are now a notary. How do you advertise? Word of mouth is the best. Tell your family and friends.

Once certified, you can register with the different notary associations. Most have a free database where customers can find you.

ConclusionConclusion

Being a notary can be a very rewarding thing and a lucrative career, if you play your cards right.

Good luck to you all.

ReferencesReferences

• Secretary of the Commonwealth (2003), A Handbook For Virginia Notaries Public, pgs 3 - 4. Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth