Whether you are a new Notary Public or you have had your commission for quite a while, having a copy of the Handbook, “A Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public” and the “Code of Virginia (Sections Pertaining to Notaries Public)” as part of your Notary toolbox should be a must do. You can print a copy of each or download a copy to your cell phone, tablet, or laptop so that you always have access.

These important resources are published by the office of the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth who is the authorizing authority for Notaries Public in Virginia. These publications explain what Virginia Notaries can and cannot do, how to perform notarizations properly and legally, and detail things like acceptable forms of identification that a Virginia Notary can accept from a signer. There are also sample certificates indicating what is required in the wording to make it legitimate.

If a question arises while performing a notarization, referring to these publications would aid in getting the answer you need. Additionally, if a signer should question what a Virginia Notary Public can or cannot do, having a copy of the Code would help to solidify your position. Both the Code and Handbook are written in clear and concise language making it easy to discern the answer you are looking for. If, however, there should be a situation that falls into a gray area that is not clearly explained in the Virginia Code, check on VAN’s website under FAQs, VAN Podcasts, seek assistance on VAN’s Facebook group page, or email VAN!

The Code and the Handbook are revised periodically. As a rule, new laws are passed or modifications to the current practice are voted in by the Virginia Assembly at the beginning of a year, ordinarily these new laws go into effect by July of that year. The Virgnia Notary Division will publish the new revision of the Handbook no later than July. Make sure you have the most recent revision by checking online or watching the VAN website for updates.