What is a Notary?
A Notary is a person of integrity, appointed by the Secretary of State to verify the identity of document signers. A Notary also performs copy certifications and administers oaths and affirmations.

What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A notary signing agent is a notary public that notarizes mortgage documents for borrowers who purchase or refinance their current mortgage. Notary signing agents are impartial witnesses who identify the signer(s), verify that all documents are signed and dated, notarize the documents, and return the executed loan package to the lender.

What is a Notarization?
Notarization is a certificate filled out by the Notary, certifying certain facts about the signer and document. The Notary does not verify the accuracy or validity of the document.

Proper ID (What to Bring)
Proper identification is required for any notarial service that requires verification of the signature. Virginia recognizes the following types of identification as valid:

• Virginia Driver License or ID Card
• A United States passport
• Driver license or ID card by another state
• Mexican or Canadian driver license issued by an authorized agency
• US Military identification card (must include a signature)
• Foreign passport, if stamped by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Green Card, Permanent residence/Alien Card (only for documents related to USCIS–e.g., Affidavit of Support)
• Virginia State, County, or City ID card (with photo, serial no., signature, and issue or expiration date)

All IDs must be either current or issued within the last 5 years. The above-mentioned IDs are the only Virginia-approved ID cards.

If you are unable to provide one of these ID cards, you may be identified on the oath or affirmation of credible identifying witnesses who have their own approved ID card. Credible Identifying witnesses must have personal knowledge of your identity, believe it is not reasonable for you to obtain the approved ID, and be honest, aware, and impartial.

Which notary act is right for me?
Sometimes the notarial wording is not found on the document you need notarized, such as handwritten or private documents. When this happens, the signer should ask the receiving agency–what type of notarization they need. The signer may also seek advice from an attorney or choose the act themselves. (For signatures, choices include an “Acknowledgement”, which proves you signed the document or a “Jurat” the signer swears/affirms what they signed is true.)

* Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Only the Division of Vital Records/Statistics may certify these documents. If you need a certified copy of this type of document, you must request it from the state in which the individual was born. As a fraud prevention measure, many states require that the request form be notarized – a Virginia notary can notarize your signature on this form. Virginia notaries are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies