Launching and Running a Notary Business in the State of Virginia
Are you considering starting your own notary business in the state of Virginia? Becoming a notary can be a rewarding career that allows you to serve your community and provide essential services. In this article, we will explore the process of launching and running a notary business in Virginia, including the fees that may be charged for various services and additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
1. Becoming a Notary in Virginia
Before you can launch your notary business, you must first become a notary in the state of Virginia. The requirements for becoming a notary vary from state to state, so it is important to familiarize yourself with Virginia’s specific requirements.
To become a notary in Virginia, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of Virginia or maintain a principal place of business in the state
- Complete a notary training course approved by the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Pass the Virginia Notary Public Examination
- Submit an application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
- Pay the required application fee
Once you have met all the requirements and your application has been approved, you will be issued a notary commission by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
2. Fees Charged by Notaries in Virginia
As a notary in Virginia, you are entitled to charge certain fees for the services you provide. It is important to familiarize yourself with these fees to ensure you are operating within the boundaries of the law.
According to the Virginia Code, the following fees may be charged by notaries:
- Taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed, mortgage, or other instrument: $5.00 per signature
- Taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed of trust: $5.00 per signature
- Taking an acknowledgment or proof of any other writing: $5.00 per signature
- Administering an oath or affirmation: $5.00
- Verifying or proving a signature: $5.00
- Protesting a bill or note for non-acceptance or non-payment: $5.00
- Witnessing or attesting a signature: $5.00
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is crucial to stay updated on any revisions to the fee schedule.
3. Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, or Remote Online Notarizations
In addition to the standard fees allowed for notarial services, notaries in Virginia can also charge additional fees for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
Mobile notarizations refer to notarial services performed outside the notary’s regular place of business. For providing mobile notarizations, notaries may charge reasonable travel expenses, such as mileage, parking fees, and tolls.
Loan closing notarizations involve the notarization of loan documents for real estate transactions. For loan closing notarizations, notaries may charge a fee that is reasonable and customary for the geographical area.
Remote online notarizations, which allow notaries to perform notarial acts online using audiovisual technology, may also entail additional charges. However, the specific fees for remote online notarizations may vary depending on the service provider or platform used.
Conclusion
Starting a notary business in the state of Virginia can be a fulfilling endeavor. By following the necessary steps to become a notary and familiarizing yourself with the fees allowed for various services, you can launch and run a successful notary business. Remember to stay updated on any changes to the fee schedule and explore other informative articles on our website to further enhance your knowledge on notarial practices.
