Virginia Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 1, 2012 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2011
- Statute
- Va. Code §§ 47.1-2 ("satisfactory evidence of identity"), 47.1-6.1, 47.1-7, 47.1-13(D), 47.1-14
- Bill Number
- HB 2318 (2011 Acts ch. 731) and identical SB 827 (2011 Acts ch. 834)
Virginia RON Law Overview
Virginia authorized remote online notarization in 2011 by HB 2318 (2011 Acts ch. 731) and identical SB 827 (2011 Acts ch. 834), codified at Va. Code §§ 47.1-2 ("satisfactory evidence of identity"), 47.1-6.1, 47.1-7, 47.1-13(D), 47.1-14, effective July 1, 2012. A Virginia online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Virginia who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 5 years.
Key details for Virginia
Enacted by HB 2318 (2011 Acts ch. 731) and identical SB 827 (2011 Acts ch. 834). Signer location: Anywhere; the statute sets no signer-location limit, and an electronic notarial act is deemed performed in Virginia (§ 47.1-13(D)). The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
Virginia RON Requirements
Under Virginia law, every remote online notarization must take place via real-time audio-video communication between the notary and the signer. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. The notary is required to keep an electronic journal documenting each transaction and to use tamper-evident sealing on all notarized documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 5 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 5 years
- Credential analysis
- Not required
- KBA required
- No
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
Virginia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 (as amended 2025, c. 209)).
Online Notary Availability in Virginia
Notaron is available 24/7 across Virginia. See location-specific guides for major Virginia cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2011 under Va. Code §§ 47.1-2 ("satisfactory evidence of identity"), 47.1-6.1, 47.1-7, 47.1-13(D), 47.1-14. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Virginia-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Virginia?
Virginia requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Virginia?
Virginia requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 5 years.
Does Virginia accept out-of-state RON?
Virginia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Va. Code § 47.1-13.1 (as amended 2025, c. 209)).