A Notary Public is a person legally empowered to witness and certify documents and to take affidavits and depositions. Applications for appointment as a Notary Public are made to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The application forms are available at any Circuit Court Clerk's office or online at:

Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary

1. Pursuant to Virginia Code of Virginia: Sections 47.1-1 through 47.1-33 each person appointed and commissioned as a Notary Public shall be:

   • Atleast eighteen years of age.

   • A citizen of the United States.

   • Able to read and write the English language.

   • Anyone who has ever been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States or this Commonwealth, or the laws of any other state, shall not be qualified to be appointed and commissioned as a Notary Public unless such person has been pardoned for such felony or has had his rights restored.

   • A nonresident of Virginia may be appointed only if he is regularly employed in the Commonwealth and if such appointment will be necessary or useful to him in such employment.

2. To become a Notary or to renew your Notary Commission, you must complete an application as prescribed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. A Notary application may be obtained at the following website: Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary, mail or in person. To receive an application by mail, send a written request and a self addressed stamped envelop to Circuit Court at which you wish to take the oath of office as a Notary Public.

3. When you receive the Notary application, complete Section 1 through 3. Return the application and a check for $35.00 made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. The application and fee may be returned either in person or by mail to either Circuit Court Clerk's office. A Deputy Clerk will complete Part 4 of the form and will forward the Notary application along with the check to the Secretary of The Commonwealth in Richmond for processing. The applicant must note on the application the Circuit Court at which they wish to take the oath of ofice as a Notary Public.

4. In three to five weeks a letter will be sent to you from Richmond stating that your Commission has been sent to the location you requested. The Courthouse will receive your commission four to five business days after you receive your letter from Richmond.

5. The applicant must appear in person to take an oath and receive the Commission. The applicant must bring identification and a fee of $10.00. Either cash or a check made payable to the Clerk of Court, is acceptable. An oath will be administered to the applicant and the commission will then be given to you.

6. Applicants are seen on a walk-in basis from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. No person shall be permitted to qualify who does not appear before the Clerk within sixty (60) days of his appointment.