Important: Bonds NOT Required in Virginia
Virginia does NOT require notaries to obtain surety bonds. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth explicitly states: "Notaries are not required to post a bond in order to obtain their commission."
Surety bonds and E&O insurance are completely optional in Virginia. Many notaries choose to purchase these products for additional protection when handling high-value documents in Northern Virginia federal contracting, Richmond government services, or Hampton Roads military operations, but they are not legally required.
Virginia Notary Bond | Optional E&O Protection
Virginia law does not require notaries to purchase surety bonds. However, optional bonds and E&O insurance policies are available for Commonwealth notaries who want extra protection when serving Northern Virginia federal contractors, Richmond state government agencies, or Hampton Roads military installations.
Virginia has approximately 85,000 active notaries serving the Commonwealth. The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth explicitly states that notaries are not required to post a bond to obtain their commission. Virginia relies on professional standards and potential civil/criminal penalties for misconduct rather than requiring financial guarantees upfront.
Why Virginia Doesn't Require Bonds
Virginia's accessible notary system (no exam, no mandatory education, no bond) prioritizes convenience while maintaining accountability through professional standards. The state recommends that notaries consider obtaining liability insurance voluntarily for their own protection, but leaves this decision to individual notaries.
When VA Notaries Choose Optional Protection
Standard VA Notaries (No Bond)
- • Routine acknowledgments
- • Standard jurats and oaths
- • Basic affidavits
- • Low-volume notarizations
- • Personal/family documents
- • No bond needed
Optional Protection Cases
- • Northern VA federal contracts
- • Richmond government services
- • Hampton Roads military docs
- • High-volume mobile notaries
- • Defense contractor work
- • Optional E&O recommended
Similar to how contractor license bonds protect against construction defects in states requiring them, optional VA notary coverage protects against errors in high-stakes transactions. For general surety bond information, visit our complete bond platform.
Verify Eligibility Requirements
Confirm you are at least 18 years old and either a Virginia resident or regularly employed in VA (and perform notary services in connection with employment). No disqualifying felony convictions unless civil rights have been restored.
Self-Study Virginia Notary Laws (Optional but Recommended)
While VA doesn't require formal education, it's strongly recommended to study Virginia notary laws, duties, and procedures. Resources available from National Notary Association and other providers, but this is completely voluntary.
Complete Application Form
Fill out the Virginia notary application available from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Include all required information about your identity, residency/employment, and any criminal history.
Submit Application and Fee
Submit your completed application to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth along with the $45 application fee. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Receive Commission Certificate
Once approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Notarial Authority from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This certificate authorizes you to perform notarial acts throughout Virginia for 4 years.
Obtain Notary Seal and Supplies
Purchase your official Virginia notary seal/stamp containing your name, "Notary Public," "Commonwealth of Virginia," and commission expiration date. Also obtain a notary journal (recommended but not required for traditional notarizations).
Begin Notarizing (Standard Notaries Done Here)
You can now perform all notarizations for 4 years. Since VA doesn't require bonds, most notaries stop here. If you only handle routine notarizations, you're fully compliant!
Optional: Get Bond or E&O Insurance
If you plan to handle high-value documents (federal contracts, military documentation, government services), consider purchasing optional surety bond or E&O insurance for personal liability protection.
Optional Protection Costs (Not Required):
*Optional protection is not required by VA law. Most notaries operate without bonds or E&O insurance. Add protection only if handling high-value or high-risk transactions.
Virginia's economy spans from Northern Virginia's federal contracting hub to Hampton Roads' massive military presence and Richmond's state government operations. This diversity creates specialized documentation needs across different regions.
Northern Virginia
Federal contractors, defense agencies, and technology firms in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties generate massive demand for security clearance and government contract documentation.
Hampton Roads
World's largest naval base (Norfolk), shipyards, and military installations create high demand for military powers of attorney, deployment documents, and defense contractor agreements.
Richmond Capital Region
State government operations, legal services, and corporate headquarters drive demand for government documents, legal contracts, and business transactions.
We serve notaries throughout Virginia's diverse economy, from Northern Virginia to Tidewater.
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Services
1111 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219 | Phone: (804) 786-2441
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Commissions →U.S. Department of Treasury
Federal surety bond program oversight and carrier certification
U.S. Department of Treasury - Surety Bond Program →Serving Notaries Throughout Virginia
We serve all major cities as well as smaller towns around Virginia
Which describes your situation best?
"Notaries are not required to post a bond in order to obtain their commission. However, notaries may wish to consider obtaining liability insurance for their own protection in the event of claims arising from the performance of notarial acts."Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth - Notary Services • View Official Requirements →
Virginia prioritizes accessibility with no exam, no mandatory education, and no bond requirements. The Commonwealth relies on professional standards and accountability.
Optional bonds and E&O insurance are available for notaries who want extra protection when handling Northern Virginia's federal contracts, Richmond's government services, or Hampton Roads' military documentation.