Where to Find a Notary Public in Virginia

Key Takeaways

• You can find a notary public in Virginia at banks, UPS Stores, law offices, libraries, and government offices, or by hiring an online or mobile notary.
• Virginia was the first state to legalize Remote Online Notarization (RON), so you can legally meet with a notary online from any location.
• Virginia notaries may charge up to $10 per notarial act for in-person services and up to $25 per act for online services.
• To prepare for your appointment, bring valid government-issued photo ID and your unsigned, completed document.
• You can meet with an online notary from any phone, laptop, or computer with a Wi-Fi connection, and have your document signed in about 7 minutes.

Finding a notary public that’s available when you need them can be daunting. Do you drive half an hour in rush hour traffic after work to visit a notary at your bank or take the chance one will be at your local library when you get there? While you can find a notary at many locations across the state, they may not have appointments when you need them. But knowing where to find a notary public in Virginia doesn’t have to be such a chore. This guide outlines where you can find a notary public, what you need to bring to your appointment, and why having the meeting online from the comfort of your own home or office is the most convenient and affordable option.

In a hurry? Book your online notary appointment and have a notary commission your document from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.

Where to Find a Notary Public in Virginia

Notaries are available across the state at the following locations:

Banks and Credit Unions

Most major banks offer free or low-cost notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available that day before you make the trip to avoid disappointment.

UPS Stores and Shipping Centers

UPS Store locations across Virginia provide walk-in notary services for the public. No appointment is typically required.

Public Libraries

Many Virginia public libraries offer free notary services to residents. Hours vary by branch and availability depends on staffing, so call your local library before visiting.

Law Offices

Law firms often have notaries on staff. If you already work with a lawyer, ask whether notary services are available through their office. Some law offices also offer notary services to walk-in clients, but call first to make sure.

Government Offices

Many Virginia government offices, including Circuit Court clerk’s offices and local municipal government buildings, have notaries available to the public. 

Real Estate Offices

Many real estate offices have notaries on site, but they are reserved for clients. 

Mobile Notaries

A mobile notary travels directly to your location, with a travel fee added on top of the regular notary fee. While this may seem like a convenient option, travel fees can be substantial depending on distance, time of day, or urgency. Always confirm the full fee before booking.

Online Notary Services

The most convenient way to have a document commissioned is by meeting with a notary online over live video. Your documents are signed electronically, sealed digitally, and legally valid in every state.

Skip the trip. Book your online notary appointment and have a notary commission your document wherever you are.

Can I Meet With a Notary Online in Virginia?

Yes! Virginia has been leading the way with online notary services since 2012, when it became the first state in the U.S. to legalize Remote Online Notarization. It’s a legal, secure, and widely used option.

Online notary services in Virginia offer several advantages over traditional alternatives:

• Speed: Sessions typically take about 7 minutes 
• Convenience: Connect from home, office, or anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
• Availability: Schedule your appointment for a time that suits you.
• Security: Sessions are recorded, identity is verified, and documents are digitally sealed to prevent tampering.
• No travel: Save time and avoid the hassle of finding a notary near you.

Book your online notary appointment today and complete your Virginia document from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.

How Much Does a Notary Cost in Virginia?

Notary fees in Virginia are set by the Code of Virginia § 47.1-19:

• In-person notary: Up to $10 per notarial act. 
• Mobile notary: Up to $10 per notarial act, plus reasonable travel expenses agreed upon in advance.
• Online notary: Up to $25 per notarial act, plus any platform service fees.

Notarial acts include witnessing signatures, taking oaths and affirmations, certifying true copies, and taking an acknowledgment.

What Do I Need to Bring to a Notary Appointment?

Whether you’re meeting face-to-face or online, arrive to your appointment with the following:

Valid government-issued photo identification

Your ID must be current, unexpired, and clearly show your name and photo. Acceptable forms of ID in Virginia include:

• State-issued driver’s license
• State-issued identification card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military identification card
• U.S. green card with photograph
• Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
• Foreign passport

“Any difference between the name on the signer’s ID and the name on their document can delay the process. Before your appointment, take 30 seconds to double-check that the names match.”  — Talia Wang, Notary Public

Your Unsigned and Completed Document

Bring your document filled out, but don’t sign it before your appointment. The notary must witness your signature in person or over live video. Signing the document beforehand will void the notarization.

Any Required Witnesses

Some documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney, may require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary. Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age, of sound mind, and cannot be named in the document. Talk to the requesting authority to confirm the exact witness requirements before your appointment.

What to Expect During Your Notary Appointment

The notary appointment process is straightforward, whether it’s in person or online. Here’s what happens:

• The notary will verify your identity using your government-issued photo identification or by asking a few questions as part of the knowledge-based authentication process (KBA) for online appointments.
• They will review your document to ensure it’s complete.
• You will sign the document in front of the notary (in person or over live video).
• The notary will witness and confirm your signature.
• The notary applies their official signature and seal to complete the notarization.

For online appointments, the session is recorded and an audit trail is created for extra security. The completed document is returned to you digitally.

How to Verify A Virginia Notary’s Commission

Before your appointment, you can confirm a notary’s active commission through the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online notary search. This proves you are working with a currently commissioned, legitimate notary public.

Next Step: Complete Your Document With a Notary

Now that you know where to find a notary in Virginia, here’s how to get your document completed:

• Review your document and make sure all fields are completed, but don’t sign it yet.
• Find your unexpired, government-issued photo ID.
• Book the type of notary appointment you want (in person, mobile, or online).
• Meet with your notary, sign in front of them, and receive your completed, notarized document.
  

The entire process can be completed online in about 7 minutes, from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.

Conclusion

Finding a notary in Virginia is straightforward. You can visit your bank, a law office, or even your neighborhood library, for example. But if you want to use the fastest option, you can skip the trip completely and meet with a notary online. No travel. No scheduling headaches. And no unforeseen fees.

Start your document or meet with a notary online today.