Virginia Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective June 30, 2012
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2011
- Statute
- Va. Code § 47.1-2 et seq.
- Bill Number
- HB 2318
Virginia RON Law Overview
Remote online notarization became permanently authorized in Virginia when the legislature passed legislation in 2011 (HB 2318) under Va. Code § 47.1-2 et seq.. The law took effect on June 30, 2012. Virginia's RON law allows commissioned notaries to use approved audio-video technology platforms to notarize documents for signers located anywhere, subject to compliance with identity verification protocols and electronic record-keeping requirements established by the statute.
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. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. 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
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Bond amount
- $10,000
Interstate Recognition
Virginia generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in Virginia, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
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 et seq.. 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 credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
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 generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Virginia?
Virginia requires RON notaries to maintain a surety bond of $10,000. This bond protects the public against errors or misconduct during remote notarizations and is in addition to any bond required for a standard notary commission.
Virginia was the first state in the nation to enact permanent RON legislation in 2011.