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Qualifications
To qualify as a notary public, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Read and write the English language; and
- Live or work in Virginia.
Recommendation
Effective July 1, 2007, the form, fee, and procedures for applying
for a notary public appointment changed in the Commonwealth
of Virginia. Previously, the application process was handled
primarily in the Circuit Courts. Now you must have Part 4 of
the Notary Application signed by one of the officials listed
below. This part of the application states that such official
recommends the applicant for appointment. The statement must
be signed by one of the following:
- Any member of the General Assembly;
Delegates
Senators
Who's
My Legislator?
- A clerk or deputy clerk of any
general district court in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
- Any Attorney for the Commonwealth (County prosecutor) or
any of his/her assistants; or
- The Attorney General or any of his/her assistants.
Application Form:
2007
Notary Application - Revised in June 2007 (.pdf, 44
k)
The form is also available in hard copy at the Fairfax County
Courthouse at the General District Court in Room 232 on the
second floor.
Fee:
$45 payable to the Treasurer of Virginia by check or
money order. The notary applicant's name must appear on the
check.
Procedure:
Please complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Application for
Appointment as Notary Public before requesting that the
form be reviewed for a recommendation by one of the above officials
or the General District Court. Every required item must be filled-in
and your name must appear exactly as it does on the form of
identification you will present.
Part 3 must be completed in front of a notary, Clerk, or Deputy
Clerk. Do not sign the form ahead of time.
Fairfax County General District Court
If you want the Fairfax County General District Court to complete
Part 4 of your application to recommend you as a notary public,
you may mail or bring your application and your government
issued identification to:
Fairfax County General District Court
Judicial Center, Room 232
4110 Chain Bridge Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22030
If mailing your application, be sure to include the following:
- ID. Please send a legible copy of a government issued
form of identification that matches your name as it appears
on your application. For instance, the ID can be a copy of
your driver's license, passport, military ID, or certificate
of naturalization.
- Fee. A check for $45 payable to the Treasurer of
Virginia must be included. Once the General District Court has reviewed your application,
and completed the recommendation in Part 4, we will forward
it to the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Renewal:
The procedure and fees for renewing your appointment
are the same as for new applicants but you should be careful
to include your notary registration number on your application
(Part 1, # 3). This number can be found on your current commission,
or you may have received it by separate letter. If you do not
know your current notary number, you may obtain it by calling
the Secretary of the Commonwealth at 804-692-2536 or by e-mail
to socmail@governor.virginia.gov.
Please allow 4-6 weeks processing time if you are trying to
renew before your current commission expires.
Commission:
See the Fairfax
County Circuit Court homepage for information about
receiving your Commission.
Questions:
Please call the Circuit Court at 703-691-7320 or the General
District Court at 703-246-2153 if you have questions about the
procedures for becoming a notary public.
Links:
2007
Notary Application - Revised in June 2007 (.pdf, 44 k)
Notary
Handbook (.pdf, 74 K)
Changes
in the Virginia Notary Public Law - Effective July 1, 2007
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