Virginia Notary Acknowledgment Form

A Virginia notary acknowledgment form verifies signatures on official documents, including lease agreements, affidavits, and consent forms. To undergo verification, the signing party should appear before the notary public and present the legal instruments they’ve filled out beforehand.

Once the notary public confirms the signatory’s identity and ensures the voluntary nature of the signing, they can execute the form and complete the process by affixing their official seal or stamp.

Legal Considerations

Form of Acknowledgement: Under § 55.1-621, “Statutory Short Forms of Acknowledgment” should include the state/county and specify the signature of the person taking acknowledgment.

Notary Term of Commission: Four years (§ 47.1-21).

Notary Handbook: The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia provides a Notary Handbook, which explains a notary’s liabilities, duties, limitations, and powers.

Is Online Notarization Legal in Virginia?

Yes. In 2011, the state passed House Bill 2318 to allow a notary to notarize a document even if the signing party isn’t physically present. The notary public must first establish the signer’s identity before they can legally notarize a document.

How to Notarize

Step 1 – Locate a Notary

Locate a notary, whether it’s in person or online. Consider visiting financial institutions, such as Virginia National Bank, to seek affordable notary services. Some banks and credit unions might offer free notary services if you’re a member.

Step 2 – Bring Your Document

Fill out the legal document (like a bill of sale) you plan to bring to your notary appointment. Don’t sign it until you’re in the notary’s presence.

Step 3 – Present Your ID

Once you’re at your notary appointment, present a valid form of ID. It should be government-issued, and it may include one of the following:

• US military card
• State-issued ID card or driver’s license
• US or foreign passport
• Certificate of US citizenship or naturalization

At your appointment, be ready to pay a notary fee. Virginia sets a maximum fee of $5 per signature (§ 47.1-19).

Step 4 – Sign the Form

If you already signed the name before meeting with the notary, confirm the authenticity of the signature. If you haven’t already signed your name, sign it in front of the notary.

How to Verify a Notary

1. Go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website and navigate to the Notary Search tool.
2. Search for the notary by first name, last name, or notary ID number.
3. View the search results, which display each notary’s name, notary registration number, expiration date, and status.

How to Write (for Notary)

1. Download a notary acknowledgment form as a PDF or Word file.
2. Write the following information on the form:
   • County of acknowledgment
   • Date of acknowledgment
   • Your name
   • The signing party’s name
   • The satisfactory evidence you used to confirm the signing party’s identity
   • Who the signer is signing as
3. Explain the document you’re notarizing.
4. Include the state governing the document.
5. Sign your name, add your seal, and note when your commission expires.

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