Becoming a Notary Public Officer
Before starting the process, review Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public carefully.
Application
First-time and renewing applicants must complete and submit the application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth per instructions outlined here; Clerks of the Circuit Court do not accept or process notary applications (Virginia Code §47.1-8).
Approval
Once notified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of approval (via email or letter), contact the Clerk's Office to confirm your commission has been received. Commissions must be picked up within 60 days.
Qualification
Appear before the Clerk of the Circuit Court to take the Notary Public Oath, no appointment is necessary, and you will be asked to present:
- Valid government-issued photo ID;
- Confirmation (letter/email) received from the Secretary of the Commonwealth;
- Fee of $10 (payable by cash, check or credit card).
Seal/Stamp
Purchase a Notary Public seal or stamp from third party vendor of choice. Clerk's Offices do not supply notary seals/stamps.
Other Notary Services
Notary Verification
Documents notarized by Notary Public qualified by Radford City Clerk of the Circuit Court can be presented for Notary verification at the Public Services Division. Notarization must be done properly to receive verification.
Notarization of Documents
This service is a courtesy and done at no charge. Clerks and Deputy Clerks that are notaries adhere to Notary Public regulations set out by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and do not hold additional privileges. Notaries at the Clerk's Office will not certify true copies for documents that are not record of this court and will not notarize documents that were signed by a person that is not present. Notaries can decline notarization of a document at his or her discretion. Customer must bring witnesses if required.