Notaries are an impartial third party who can certify legal documents. Becoming an eNotary provides a number of benefits for those looking to expand their career or use the service as part-time work.
Is eNotarization legal in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows remote online notarization (RON). The state has long had these laws and standards of practice. Although each county may have different regulations, the state has put in place the rules and regulations necessary to allow for notaries who work remotely.
Virginia made things easier on signers by being early adopters to biometrics laws. No surprise given it was the very first state to legalize RON. They’re on the cutting edge when compared to other states.
Steps to Become an Electronic Remote Notary in Virginia:
In 2013, Virginia pioneered remote online notarization (RON) services. However, before a Notary Public can offer such services, they need to be commissioned as an electronic Notary (eNotary) by the state. Here are the necessary steps to achieve this status in Virginia:
1. Maintain an active commission as a standard Notary Public.
2. Obtain an electronic seal or stamp from a recognized Notary provider (BlueNotary provides these for free)
3. Choose your RON technology vendor(s) for crafting your electronic signature for both online notarizations and eNotarizations.
4. Fill out the Virginia eNotary Application, signing it with your electronic signature and seal. (The Digital Certificate used will need to be provided by Identrust)
5. Pay the $45 application fee online to Virginia’s Secretary of the Commonwealth.
6. Await an email notification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth confirming the approval of your application.
Requirements to Become a Notary in Virginia:
In order to become an online notary in Virginia, you must first meet the following criteria:
- Be a Virginia resident.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read and write English
- Be a legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Additionally, applicants unable to become notaries if they have become convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States or in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the laws of any other state, unless their rights are restored.
How to Become a Traditional Notary Public in Virginia
The following steps explain the steps you need to take if you want to become a Traditional Notary Public in Virginia:
- Make sure you meet all of the state’s requirements (see above).
- Complete and print an application form, using the Virginia Online Notary Application Wizard.
- Pay the $45 application fee online. You’ll be given an online receipt with an invoice number matching the barcode number on your application. You can also pay via check or money order.
- Have your signature on Part 3 of the application notarized.
- Mail your notarized application and receipt — or check or money order — to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
- When approved, a notice will be sent to you as well as the Circuit Court clerk in 2-3 weeks.
- Contact the Circuit Court to take your Oath of Office and pay the $10 fee within 60 days.
- Obtain your state-required seal.
- Get E&O insurance (optional, but strongly recommended).
Once these requirements are met, you can begin offering your services as a Traditional Notary in Virginia.
What to Expect From the Job?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest times for notaries are during tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services, especially if you can find a niche.
It is also important to take into account that online notarizations are often cheaper than in-person notarizations when travel and expenses are factored in, allowing your services to be more attractive to potential customers.
How Much Can You Expect To Make?
When you create an account with Blue Notary to get started, you can expect to earn around $25 for online notarizations. As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signing packages. Like all businesses, you get out what you put in, so the more you are willing to network and market yourself, the better and easier your job will be.
BlueNotary also has the option for you to Invoice Your Clients Outside of BlueNotary at your rates at a cost of just $2 per notarization for their Pro-Hybrid members. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your abilities.
Can I do Online Notary?
Virginia is one of the most progressive states in the union for notaries. They were the first state to legalize Remote Online Notarization and are also one of the first states to start using Biometric Verification methods.
As an online notary, you get to decide when and where you work. Blue Notary is the best option for notaries looking to build their own business as we work to help keep your prices competitive.
We also make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process. We also have a facebook group full of notaries to help you get through the process and walk the path they’ve helped trail before.
You are able to earn money with each document you notarize and work at your own schedule. In order to create a free account and get started all you need to do is register.
Please note, Virginia is the only known state in the union that recognized only Identrust Digital Certificates. This is important to keep in mind when submitting your application for vendor approval.
General Question About Online Notary Virginia
What legal protections or liabilities should an online notary in Virginia be aware of?
Online notaries in Virginia must adhere to state laws and regulations, ensuring they notarize documents correctly, verify signer identities, and maintain proper records. Liability can arise from negligence, fraud, or failure to comply with these laws, potentially leading to penalties, commission revocation, or civil lawsuits. Notaries should prioritize document security and confidentiality and consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for financial protection.
How does the requirement for Identrust Digital Certificates affect technology vendor selection for remote online notarization services in Virginia?
The requirement for Identrust Digital Certificates narrows down technology vendor options to those supporting these certificates. Notaries must choose a vendor that offers compliant technology while meeting their needs in terms of functionality, user experience, and cost. This requirement ensures a standardized level of security for digital certificates, essential for the integrity of electronic notarizations. Notaries should research and compare RON technology providers, prioritizing compatibility with Identrust Digital Certificates.
Are there continuing education or renewal requirements for online notaries in Virginia?
While not mentioned initially, online notaries in Virginia must renew their commission every four years by submitting a new application. While mandatory continuing education may not be required for all notaries, staying informed about legal changes, technologies, and best practices is crucial for effective and lawful notarization. Electronic notaries should ensure their technology and digital certificates remain valid to meet regulatory requirements.
