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Circuit Court Clerks Office > Other Public Documents > Notary Public
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Notary Public

The purpose of this information is to better inform the general public of procedural matters. Nothing contained herein is intended to advise anyone as to legal remedies for a particular circumstance. Circuit Court Clerks and their Deputy Clerks cannot render legal advice.

A Notary Public is a state official who is authorized to witness the signing of important documents, administer oaths, certify copies of certain documents and exercise other powers as provided for by law.

Each Notary Public is appointed by the Governor for a term of four years. To be appointed as a Notary Public, you must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Virginia and read and write English.

The Application for Appointment as Notary Public has three parts:

Part 1 

Requires basic information such as name, social security number and address. For question  nine on the form, be sure to indicate that you wish to take the oath of office at the Circuit Court of Roanoke County (or your locality). Part 1 also requests information on your age, criminal history, citizenship and previous service as a Notary Public in Virginia.

Part 2

Requires your initials next to each statement indicating that you understand the information provided 

Part 3

Requires that your application be acknowledged and sworn to before a Notary Public.

After completing your application, mail it to the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia at the address on the form. Include a check or money order for $45 made payable to "Treasurer of Virginia."

In about four weeks, you should receive a letter from the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth advising you that the Governor has approved your application for appointment. Your letter will be attached to a handbook summarizing the laws governing notaries public in Virginia. If there is a problem with your application, it will be explained in the letter.

If your application is approved, wait three days and call (540)387-6205 to make sure your commission has been mailed to the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office. When your commission arrives, come to the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office to take your oath of office before a Deputy Clerk and receive your commission. There is a $10 fee (payable by cash, personal check, certified check or money order) for the Deputy Clerk to administer the oath and prepare your commission.

NOTE: By law, you must claim your commission within 60 days after it is issued.  If you fail to do so you must submit a new application and a new fee to become a notary.  If you have not received a notice of your commission  within four weeks call the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office at (804) 692-2536 or by emailing to socmail@governor.virginia.gov .    Sometimes notices are lost in the mail.  Failure to receive a notice will not permit you to receive a commission after the 60 day period has expired. 

Commissions are not renewable. When your four-year term is close to expiring, you must complete a new application for a new four-year term.

For questions about Notaries Public in Virginia, contact the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth at (804)786-2441. General information about Notaries Public is available from the National Notary Association.