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Bond NOT Required • Optional Protection

Virginia Notary BondOptional E&O Protection

Virginia law does NOT require notary bonds. However, optional bonds and E&O insurance policies are available for Commonwealth notaries handling high-value transactions in Northern Virginia, Richmond, or Hampton Roads.

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Bond NOT required by Virginia law
Optional E&O insurance available
Electronic notarization authorized
4-year commission term
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Quick Answer

Virginia does not require notary publics to obtain a surety bond. Bonds are optional in Virginia. Many notaries choose to purchase E&O insurance for personal liability protection.

Virginia Notary Requirements (No Bond Required)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • VA residency or employment in Virginia
  • No disqualifying felony convictions
  • No bond requirement

Application Process

  • Apply to Secretary of Commonwealth
  • Application fee: $45
  • No exam or education required
  • 4-year commission term

Important: While Virginia does not require surety bonds, notaries are personally liable for errors and misconduct. Optional E&O insurance provides protection similar to how contractor license bonds protect consumers in licensed trades. Visit our notary bonds hub to compare state requirements.

How to Become a Virginia Notary

1

Verify Eligibility

Confirm age, residency/employment, and background requirements

2

Apply

Submit application to Secretary of Commonwealth with $45 fee

3

Get Commission

Receive Certificate of Notarial Authority

4

Get Supplies

Purchase seal/stamp and begin notarizing

Optional Step 5: Get E&O Protection

If you plan to handle high-value federal contracts, military documentation, or government services, consider optional E&O insurance for personal liability protection.

Virginia Notary Markets

Northern Virginia

Federal Contracting Hub: Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties house massive federal contractor presence with defense agencies and technology firms generating security clearance and government contract documentation.

Common Work: Federal contracts, security clearance documents, defense contractor agreements, and technology company formations.

Hampton Roads

Military Presence: World's largest naval base (Norfolk), shipyards, and military installations create high demand for military powers of attorney, deployment documents, and defense contractor agreements.

Common Work: Military POAs, deployment paperwork, defense contracts, shipyard documentation, and naval personnel services.

Richmond Capital Region

State Capital: Commonwealth government operations, legal services, and corporate headquarters drive demand for government documents, legal contracts, and business transactions.

Common Work: State government documents, legal contracts, corporate formations, and legislative documentation.

Virginia Notary Bond FAQs

Does Virginia require notaries to have a surety bond?
No, Virginia does NOT require notaries to obtain a surety bond. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth explicitly states that notaries are not required to post a bond to obtain their commission. However, Virginia notaries may wish to consider liability insurance or optional bonds for their own protection.
If bonds are not required, why would I get one in Virginia?
Optional surety bonds and E&O insurance protect you from personal financial liability if you make a notarial error. While VA law doesn't require bonds, they provide peace of mind when handling high-value documents in industries like Northern Virginia federal contracting, Richmond government services, or Hampton Roads military documentation.
What is required to become a Virginia notary?
VA requires: being at least 18 years old, Virginia residency or employment in VA, $45 application fee, and no disqualifying felony convictions (unless civil rights restored). NO exam or education course is required, though self-education is strongly recommended to understand your duties.
How much does an optional Virginia notary bond cost?
Optional surety bonds for VA notaries typically cost $100-$200 for a 4-year term depending on coverage amount ($10,000-$25,000). E&O insurance costs $150-$400 annually. Since bonds aren't required, you can choose coverage levels based on your specific notarization activities and client base.
What is the difference between a surety bond and E&O insurance?
A surety bond protects the public from your errors (you must repay claims), while E&O insurance protects you from financial liability (insurance pays claims). In states like VA where bonds aren't required, E&O insurance is often the better choice because it actually protects the notary, not just the public.
How long does a Virginia notary commission last?
Virginia notary commissions are valid for 4 years. Your commission expires on the last day of your birth month in the fourth year. For example, if your birthday is June 15, your commission expires on June 30 of the expiration year. Any optional bond or E&O insurance must also cover your entire commission period.
Can I perform electronic notarizations in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia was one of the first states to authorize electronic notarization and remote online notarization (RON). To perform electronic notarizations, you must register as an electronic notary with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, use approved technology platforms, and maintain electronic journals for 10 years. No separate bond is required for electronic notarization.
What fees can Virginia notaries charge?
Virginia law sets maximum notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Electronic notaries may charge an additional $25 per electronic notarial act, for a total of $30. Notaries may charge less but cannot exceed these maximums. Travel fees for mobile services are separate and unregulated.

Other State Notary Bonds

North Carolina
Optional
5 years
Maryland
$2,000
4 years
West Virginia
$1,000
10 years
Tennessee
$10,000
4 years
Georgia
Optional
4 years
Florida
$7,500
4 years
Texas
$10,000
4 years
California
$15,000
4 years
View All State Notary Bonds

Official Virginia Notary Resources

Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth

Official notary requirements, application forms, and notary public information.

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program

Official list of federally authorized surety companies.

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