Virginia

Online notarization in Virginia: Get your document notarized today

Remote online notary in Virginia

When you need to have crucial documents officially notarized at a moment’s notice, Remote Online Notarization (RON) offers a convenient and secure alternative to utilizing traditional in-person notaries, which can be slow and expensive. But, is RON legal in Virginia?

This article will break down everything you need to know about how you can enlist the services of a remote online notary in Virginia to start notarizing your documents online right away using PandaDoc Notary. Learn everything about remote online notarization in Virginia.

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How does PandaDoc Notary work?

These days, more individuals and businesses are beginning to choose the unique benefits that Remote Online Notarization (RON) offers over traditional forms of notarization.

PandaDoc Notary offers a secure and user-friendly Remote Online Notarization platform which allows you to notarize your most important documents at a moment’s notice. PandaDoc Notary allows you to use existing state-approved templates or upload your own documents to send, eSign, and notarize from your own home.

PandaDoc Notary operates on a state-of-the-art cloud-based platform that offers users access to its full range of notarization services in your state. Though allowing you to skip the hassle of scheduling time to meet with an in-person traditional notary public is a huge asset in today’s fast paced world, it is far from the only benefit you’ll find using PandaDoc Notary. 

You can rest assured knowing that PandaDoc Notary will keep your document safe and secure, accessible, and safe from fraud or tampering. 

PandaDoc Notary is that it is built to be fast and easy to use, even for those less familiar with the notarization process. Of course, you can relax knowing that the PandaDoc Notary product help center is available and ready to help you sort out any technical issues you may encounter. Their 24/7 live chat support is always available for you should you need a quick solution.

How does online notary work in Virginia?

The state of Virginia allows individuals and businesses to take advantage of the convenience and security that comes with using Remote Online Notarization. To take advantage of the services of a remote online notary in Virginia, you simply need access to a secure internet connection, via a computer that offers audio-visual conferencing capabilities. 

While similar to the process of traditional notarization, when notarizing a document with RON there are a few requirements you must keep in mind. At the time of notarization, all signers will need to undergo identity verification via credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) to ensure the document is protected against fraud. 

Once the signer’s identities have been verified and all appropriate notarization fees have been paid, the signers will appear before a state-commissioned notary in an online meeting room via two-way audio visual connection. All signers will have a chance to review the document one final time before applying their eSignature.

Once the signers have all added their signatures, the online notary in Virginia will apply their eSignature and digital seal to the document, in addition to noting in in their electronic journal. 

Online notaries in Virginia carry the same authority and capabilities as a traditional notary.

FAQ’s

Is online notarization legal in Virginia?

Yes. Notaries who are commissioned to practice online can perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) services in Virginia.

Virginia became the first state to legalize Remote Online Notarization (RON) law in 2013 under House Bill 2318/ Senate Bill 827. Online notarization in Virginia saw a 574% spike in use in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online notaries in Virginia must possess a traditional notary commission in addition to successfully applying to perform remote services.

How much can an online notary charge in Virginia?

An online notary in Virginia can charge up to $25 per notarial act performed. This fee must be paid prior to the notarization, and is in addition the standard notary fee which may be up to $5 per notarial act, as stipulated by the notary.

What are the Virginia notarization requirements?

To notarize a document in the state of Virginia, all document signers are required to appear before an actively commissioned notary public to sign and seal the document. In Virginia, businesses and individuals may choose to either use traditional notary services, such as walk-in and mobile notaries, or online using Remote Online Notarization.

Using an online notary in Virginia allows multiple individuals in different locations to meet with a fully commissioned state notary virtually, online. Similar to in person notarization, RON makes it possible for signers to apply their eSignatures to a document, while the notary adds their own signature and digital notary seal to their documents. This comes with many extremely useful benefits that include increased security and access to notarization services at a moment’s notice.

Documents that have been notarized online in Virginia will be considered legally admissible in all 50 states.

What are the notary laws in Virginia?

In Virginia, a document that has been notarized within full compliance of state notary law will be considered legally binding as soon as it is signed and notarized. While Virginia allows for both in-person and remote notarization, all forms require every signer to provide proof of identity in addition to paying the notary fee, as required by the notary public.

Online notaries in Virginia are required to contract through a state-approved RON provider, such as PandaDoc Notary, in addition to possessing an electronic stamp/ seal and paying a $45 application fee.

Do I have to be in Virginia to use PandaDoc notary services?

No, you can access PandaDoc Notary services from any state that allows the use of Remote Online Notarization (RON).

All you need to access PandaDoc Notary’s services is a reliable and secure internet connection, via a computer that has audio visual capabilities. PandaDoc Notary allows you to conveniently invite signers to your notarization session from wherever they are at, even allowing signers from different states to participate.

You no longer have to worry about scheduling a time and place where everyone can meet to sign and notarize your important documents. You can use PandaDoc Notary to connect with a commissioned Virginia notary to notarize your documents within minutes, however the amazing thing about RON is that it allows you to notarize your documents at a moment’s notice, no matter where you are.

What are the Virginia notary laws?

Virignia notary law currently allows a document to be signed and notarized using a traditional “wet-ink” signature in addition to eSigning and digitally notarizing a document using a state-approved RON platform. To provide online notary services in Virginia, a notary must possess an active commission in the state in addition to successfully applying to perform RON services with the Secretary Of The Commonwealth.

If I notarize a document in Virginia, will it be recognized by other states?

Yes, any document notarized in Virginia, whether carried out in-person or online, will be recognized as legally binding in all 50 states. Documents that have been eSigned and notarized online will still be recognized in states that have not yet made online notarization legal.

As long as a document has been notarized within full compliance of local state law, by an actively commissioned notary public, the document will be legally valid from the time of notarization.

How does Virginia’s online notary keep its records?

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia requires all online notaries keep a record of each notarization carried out via two-way audio visual conference call. These records must be stored in an electronic register, or journal, which serves the same purpose as a traditional notaries journal. These registers will store crucial details such as the signers eSignatures, the notaries electronic seal, and a video record of the notarization.These electronic journal entries must be stored and kept accessible to all signing parties for a minimum of 5 years.

How to notarize a document in Virginia?

To notarize a document in Virginia, all document signers must appear in real-time before an actively commissioned notary public. This can be carried out using traditional notarization services, such as walk-in and mobile notaries, or can be done online using the services of a  remote online notary in Virginia.

At the time of the notarization, all signers will need to undergo some sort of identification verification, prior to signing the document. Walk in and mobile notaries will carry this out by personally verifying the signers documents, which can include the following forms of ID:

  1. Driver’s license
  2. Passport
  3. Government-issued ID card
  4. Permanent resident card

With Remote Online Notarization, this will be carried out via secure, online credential analysis and successful completion of a knowledge-based authentication (KBA) process. This added layer of security is unique to RON and helps to ensure your important notarized documents are protected against fraud and errors.

Both in-person and online notaries in Virginia may verify a signers identity if they have personal, prior knowledge of a signers identity. The state also allows for antecedent proof in the form of a third party individual who can confirm a signer’s identity, such as an employer, bank, or law firm.

Both in-person and online notary services may carry a fee that must be paid prior to notarization.

What types of notarizations are permitted online in Virginia?

In Virginia, remote notaries are authorized to perform the following types of notarial acts:

  • Taking acknowledgments: An official acknowledgment from a signer to a notary that a document has been willingly signed.
  • Performing verification of fact: A notary reviews vital or public records to confirm facts regarding the attributes of a document or signer’s identity.
  • Witnessing signaturesA notary appears to verify the identity of a document signer and witness the signing.
  • Certifying a “true copy” of a record: notary certifies that a copy of a document is true and accurate.
  • Administering an oath or affirmation: A solemn promise of truthfulness by a signer or witness.
  • Taking verification on an oath or affirmation: notary witnesses an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document being signed are true.
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The contents of this website are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues and jurisdictions.