Virginia’s New Notary Laws Are Changing July 1, 2026: What Every Virginia Notary Needs to Know

By Kiser’s Legal Support Solutions

Virginia notaries are about to see some of the most significant changes to notary law in years. Effective July 1, 2026, House Bill 163 and Senate Bill 316 introduce new requirements designed to strengthen fraud prevention, improve accountability, and create greater consistency across the Commonwealth’s notarial system.

Whether you are a traditional notary, remote online notary (RON), attorney, title professional, or business owner who relies on notarized documents, these changes may affect how you conduct notarial acts going forward.

Virginia!

Why Virginia Updated Its Notary Laws

The legislation was largely driven by concerns regarding deed fraud, identity theft, and fraudulent real estate transactions. Virginia lawmakers sought to increase recordkeeping requirements and establish stronger verification standards to protect both notaries and the public.

For Virginia notaries, the result is a move toward greater documentation and accountability.

1. Notary Journals Become Mandatory

Perhaps the most significant change is the requirement that all Virginia notaries maintain a journal of notarial acts performed on or after July 1, 2026. Previously, maintaining a journal was considered a best practice for traditional notaries but was not required by law.

What Must Be Recorded?

The journal must contain information regarding each notarial act, including:

• Date and time of the notarization

• Type of notarial act performed

• Information regarding identification presented

• Other details required by Virginia law

The journal must be maintained in chronological order and retained for at least five years. 

Why This Matters

A properly maintained journal:

• Creates a defensible record if a notarization is challenged

• Helps prevent fraud and identity theft

• Protects the notary from allegations of misconduct

• Provides valuable evidence in legal proceedings

At Kiser’s Legal Support Solutions, we have long encouraged comprehensive recordkeeping because it protects both the notary and the signer.

2. Proof of Commission Required to Purchase a Notary Seal

Beginning July 1, 2026, notaries purchasing a physical seal must provide proof of their active commission issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Seal vendors are also required to maintain documentation showing they verified the commission.

Purpose of the Change

This requirement is intended to reduce:

• Counterfeit notary seals

• Fraudulent notarizations

• Unauthorized use of notarial authority

For legitimate notaries, the process should be straightforward—just be prepared to provide your commission documentation when ordering a new seal.

3. Your Notarial Name Must Be Consistent Everywhere

Virginia is also requiring greater consistency regarding the notary’s commissioned name.

The name appearing on your:

• Commission

• Official seal

• Signature

• Notarial certificates

• Related notarial documents

must remain consistent. Notaries may not apply a seal to altered notarial certificates or use variations of their commissioned name that create discrepancies.

Practical Tip

If your commission reads:

“Shaylah Lynn Kiser”

then your seal, certificates, and signature should match your commissioned name consistently throughout your notarial work.

4. Additional Changes Affecting Identification and Procedures

The legislation also updates certain identification and procedural requirements associated with notarizations and electronic notarizations. These revisions are intended to strengthen identity verification standards and reduce opportunities for fraud.

Notaries should carefully review the updated Virginia statutes before July 1 to ensure compliance.

Looking Ahead: July 1, 2027

While most notaries are focused on the July 1, 2026 changes, another major update is already on the horizon.

Beginning July 1, 2027, Virginia will implement new education and examination requirements for first-time and renewing notaries. The legislation includes mandatory training covering notarial law, fraud prevention, and best practices before commissioning.

This represents a significant shift from Virginia's historically simple application process.

What Virginia Notaries Should Do Now

Before July 1, 2026, Virginia notaries should:

✔ Obtain a compliant notary journal

✔ Review current seal information and commission records

✔ Verify that your commissioned name is being used consistently

✔ Familiarize yourself with the new recordkeeping requirements

✔ Monitor updates from the Secretary of the Commonwealth

✔ Prepare for future training requirements coming in 2027

Final Thoughts

These changes represent one of the most substantial updates to Virginia's notary laws in recent years. While the new requirements may create additional administrative responsibilities, they also provide stronger protections for notaries, signers, attorneys, title companies, and the public.

At Kiser’s Legal Support Solutions, we believe accurate records, professional standards, and ongoing education are essential to preserving the integrity of notarized documents and ensuring access to justice for all.

As Virginia enters this new era of notarial accountability, preparation today will help ensure compliance tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Notaries should review the applicable Virginia statutes and official guidance from the Secretary of the Commonwealth regarding these changes.