How Much Do Notaries Make in Virginia in 2025?

If you’re a notary in Virginia or considering becoming one you may be wondering what kind of income potential exists in 2025. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date look at how much notaries earn in Virginia, what types of services are in demand, and how the state’s longstanding Remote Online Notarization (RON) law impacts opportunities.

We’ll also review state-specific laws, the licensing process, common fee structures, and strategies for maximizing your notary income.

Understanding the Notary Landscape in Virginia

Virginia was the first state to authorize RON, back in 2012. Today, it’s one of the most established and forward-thinking states in the notarial space, with permanent RON laws, strong demand for loan signings, and a large population of real estate and legal transactions.

Key Highlights for Virginia Notaries in 2025

• Virginia allows both in-person and remote online notarizations.
  
• Commissioned notaries may charge fees as set forth in state law.
  
• Notaries can increase income with additional certifications (e.g., loan signing agent).
  
• Real estate closings, affidavits, and digital document verification continue to drive demand.

How Much Do Notaries Make in Virginia?

Notary income varies depending on experience, certifications, and how actively one markets their services. Here’s a breakdown based on various practice levels.

Entry-Level (New General Notary Work)

Work Type	Estimated Pay per Appointment	Monthly Earnings (Part-Time)
Basic notarizations	$5 – $25	$200 – $500
Mobile travel fee add-ons	$20 – $50	Up to $800 (with travel)

Mid-Level (Mobile Notary + Loan Signings)

Work Type	Estimated Pay per Appointment	Monthly Earnings (Part-Time to Full-Time)
Loan signings	$75 – $200	$1,500 – $5,000+
Field inspections (optional)	$30 – $75	$300 – $1,000

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

RON Platform Use	Estimated Pay per Notarization	Monthly Earnings (Supplemental)
Individual RON clients	$25 – $60	$300 – $2,000
Platform-assigned jobs	$5 – $25	Varies based on volume

Notaries working full-time with both in-person and online appointments can earn over $5,000/month in 2025, depending on location and business strategy.

Virginia Notary Fee Schedule (2025)

The Commonwealth of Virginia defines maximum allowable fees for notarial acts.

In-Person Notarization Fees (Set by Law)

Notarial Act	Max Fee (2025)
Acknowledgment	$5
Jurat (including oath or affirmation)	$5
Certified copy of non-record document	$5
Electronic Notarial Act (in person)	$25

Remote Online Notarization (RON) Fees

RON Service	Max Fee
Electronic notarization via RON	$25 per act
Additional charges (platforms, KBA)	Not regulated (varies by provider)

Travel fees for mobile notaries are not fixed by the state, so notaries may set their own rates as long as they’re disclosed in advance and agreed upon by the client.

Licensing and Commission Requirements in Virginia

Virginia has a streamlined process for notary applicants, with additional steps required to perform remote online notarizations.

Steps to Become a Virginia Notary Public

1. Meet Eligibility
   
   • Be at least 18 years old
     
   • Live or work in Virginia
     
   • Be able to read and write English
     
2. Apply Online or via Mail
   
   • Fill out the application at the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth website
     
   • Pay a $45 application fee
     
3. Oath and Bond (No bond required in Virginia)
   
   • Once approved, take an oath of office at your local circuit court
     
   • Receive your commission certificate
     
4. Commission Period
   
   • 4 years

Additional Steps for Remote Online Notarization

To perform RON, Virginia notaries must:

• Hold an active notary commission
  
• Register as an electronic notary (e-notary)
  
• Select an approved RON platform
  
• Notify the Secretary of the Commonwealth of their intent to perform RON
  
• Ensure proper identity verification (KBA, credential analysis) during sessions

Common Notary Services in Virginia

Virginia notaries serve a wide range of markets, from individual signings to business contracts.

High-Demand Notarial Services

• Loan signings (purchase, refinance, HELOC)
  
• Real estate closings
  
• Power of attorney forms
  
• Wills and trusts (witness + notarization)
  
• Vehicle title transfers
  
• Apostilles and authentication (via third-party help)

Niche Services Some Notaries Offer

• I-9 verification (as authorized agents)
  
• Wedding officiation (authorized in Virginia with a separate license)
  
• Field inspections for insurance or mortgage companies
  
• Jail signings or hospital notary work

Tips to Increase Your Notary Income in Virginia

Simply holding a notary commission won’t guarantee a high income. Success comes from smart business practices, specialization, and consistency.

1. Offer Mobile and After-Hours Appointments

Clients value convenience. Offering evening or weekend notarizations can help you stand out, especially in competitive urban areas like Northern Virginia and Richmond.

2. Become a Certified Loan Signing Agent

Training through reputable companies allows you to handle mortgage documents, often for $100–$200 per appointment.

3. List Your Services Online

Set up profiles on:

• Google Business Profile
  
• Notary directories (123Notary, Notary Rotary)
  
• Thumbtack, Yelp, and similar platforms

4. Use Social Media and Word of Mouth

Facebook local groups, business cards at law firms, and referrals from real estate professionals can generate steady business.

5. Join a RON Platform

RON may not replace in-person work, but it can provide a supplemental income stream especially in winter or rural zones.

Regional Earning Differences Within Virginia

Income potential varies depending on where you operate in Virginia.

Highest Demand Areas

• Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria): High volume of real estate and legal transactions
  
• Richmond Metro Area: Growing demand from legal and estate planning professionals
  
• Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads: Strong mobile notary opportunities

Rural Areas

• Lower competition
  
• Less daily volume but higher mobile/travel fees possible

Comparison to Neighboring States (2025 Snapshot)

State	Max Notary Fee	RON Allowed?	RON Fee Cap	Avg Monthly Income (Active)
Virginia	$5 (in-person)	Yes (since 2012)	$25	$2,000–$5,000+
Maryland	$4	Yes (permanent)	$25	$2,000–$4,000+
North Carolina	$5	No (RON not permitted)	N/A	$1,000–$3,000
DC	$5	Yes (since 2022)	$25	$1,500–$4,000

Virginia remains one of the top states for notary innovation and flexibility.

Required Supplies and Estimated Start-Up Costs (2025)

Item	Estimated Cost
Application Fee	$45
Notary Stamp and Journal	$40 – $60
E&O Insurance (optional)	$30 – $100/year
Training (Loan Signing Agent)	$150 – $300
RON Platform Subscription	$15 – $50/month
Webcam, Secure PC Setup	$200+

You can start your notary business in Virginia for under $150 if offering basic in-person services. RON or loan signing services require more investment but lead to higher returns.

Want to Earn More as a Notary in Virginia in 2025?

If you’re looking to grow your income as a notary in Virginia, the opportunities are real but only if you approach it like a business. Start with your basic commission, then explore paths like mobile signings, RON, and loan signing agent work to maximize your potential.

The combination of long-standing RON legislation, flexible fee options, and strong real estate activity make Virginia one of the best states for notaries in 2025. Whether you’re part-time or full-time, it’s possible to earn a substantial income by meeting people where they are online, on-site, or on the move.

Ready to build your notary business?
Get certified, set up your profiles, and explore our member tools at NotaryPublicAssociation.org your resource for growing a trustworthy, profitable notary practice nationwide.