Journal Requirements in Virginia
Virginia holds a special place in RON history: it was the first state in the country to authorize Remote Online Notarization, passing its RON law in 2011. Virginia Code §47.1-6 et seq. governs notary law. For traditional paper notarizations, Virginia does not require a journal. For RON — a substantial portion of Virginia's notarial activity given its early adoption — Virginia requires an electronic journal and audio-visual recording with a 5-year retention period. Virginia's $25,000 bond requirement is notably high. See our Virginia RON requirements guide for the detailed RON procedure.
Virginia Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Virginia Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | commonwealth.virginia.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | $25,000 surety bond |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Virginia require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Virginia statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Virginia maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.