remote online notary association

How to become a Remote Online Notary in Virginia:

In 2013, Virginia set a precedent by becoming the pioneer state to legalize remote online notarization (RON). In order for a VA Notary Public to offer RON services, they must obtain authorization as an electronic Notary (eNotary) from the Commonwealth state. The process entails the following steps:

• Maintain an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
• Obtain an electronic seal and stamp from an approved Notary provider.
• Choose the RON technology vendor(s) for generating your electronic signature for online notarizations and eNotarizations.
• Fill out the Virginia eNotary Application and electronically sign the form using your digital signature and seal.
• Obtain a digital certificate from Identrust.
• Submit the $45 application fee online to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
• Upon approval, expect to receive an email confirmation from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

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Requirements to be a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Virginia State:

Before seeking authorization as a remote electronic Notary in Virginia, you must meet certain criteria. Firstly, you need to hold a current commission as a traditional Notary. Traditional Notaries must fulfill specific qualifications: they must be at least 18 years old, legal residents of the United States, residing or working in the Commonwealth of Virginia, proficient in English reading and writing, and must not have felony convictions unless their rights have been reinstated.

Additionally, Virginia eNotary applicants must possess an electronic seal/stamp before submitting their application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Since the application form necessitates a brief overview of the technology vendor selected for creating the Notary's electronic signature for official notarial acts, it's imperative for the Notary to choose a software/hardware provider prior to completing their application.

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What's needed to perform online notarizations in Virginia State: 

To conduct remote online notarizations effectively, you'll require several digital tools and resources. These include an electronic signature, an electronic seal, and an electronic register, and a electronic Notary journal. The official signature and seal of the Notary encompass both the digital signature and an image or text embedded within the electronic document. This information typically includes:

• The electronic Notary Public's name (as indicated on their commission)
• The electronic Notary Public's registration number
• The designation "Electronic Notary Public"
• The specification "Commonwealth of Virginia"
• The expiration date of the electronic Notary Public's commission

In addition to these requirements, Virginia remote Notaries must have essential hardware and a stable internet connection. This includes a computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, and support for two-way audio and visual communication.

Selecting a remote online notarization technology vendor that aligns with Virginia's standards is crucial. Depending on the chosen vendor or platform, additional equipment might be necessary, such as a signature pad and document scanning capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the expenses associated with registering as a remote Notary in Virginia?
  

Becoming a remote online Notary in Virginia entails costs that typically range from under $100 to a few hundred dollars, contingent on the selected companies and various other considerations. Primarily, you'll need to cover the state's $45 application fee and any enrollment charges linked with your chosen RON technology provider, alongside the expenses for your digital essentials.

While you might already possess a computer, webcam, and secure internet connection at your residence, if not, you'll need to include these setup costs in your initial investment. Additionally, it's essential to budget for potential annual premiums should you opt to procure an errors and omissions insurance policy.

• Is a surety bond necessary for VA remote Notaries?

No, there's no requirement for a surety bond for remote electronic Notaries in Virginia.

• Is it mandatory to have an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy in Virginia?

No, Virginia doesn't require an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy, but having one would offer protection for you as a Notary Public. Unlike surety bonds, which safeguard signers, an insurance policy provides coverage for Notaries in case any errors or omissions occur during notarizations.

Which notarial acts are permissible to conduct virtually? Virtual notarization allows for the performance of the following acts:

1. Taking acknowledgments
2. Administering oaths and affirmations (e.g., jurats)
3. Certifying affidavits and depositions
4. Certifying "true copies" of documents
5. Conducting verification of fact

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IMPORTANT LINKS

****Click the link below to access the Virginia State Electronic Notary Application

Virginia State Electronic Notary Application

****Click the link below to download a copy of the Virginia State Notary Handbook

Virginia State Legislation Notary Handbook

****Click the link below to download a copy of the Virginia State Electronic Notarization Assurance Standard Handbook

Virginia State Assurance Standard Handbook

****Click the link below to get your digital certificate with Identrust

Get Your Digital Certificate

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**If you have questions please download the VA Notary Handbook above. It's important to follow and research your state legislative laws. If you still have questions, you can email our Virginia State Committee Member, Alisha Nichola Francis-

Email: inquiries@anfsignings.com

Website: www.anfsignings.com