As of July 1, 2012, Virginia became the first ever state that legally allows people to request online notarization from an electronic notary (enotary), using audio-visual conference technology. With the full support of banks and consumer groups, the SB 827 and HB 2318 bills were submitted as remedy to robosigning and other fraudulent acts.

Under the Virginia law, any person can now get notarization online. However, make sure that the enotary is appointed and commissioned in Virginia. For security purposes, all online notarial acts should be recorded in a video, and should use state-approved identification providers.

Is the document notarized online in Virginia valid in all states?

According to the law, out of state and electronic notarization are legally accepted in all 50 states when notarized by a Virginia notary in Virginia. You can read the article published by the National Association of Secretaries of State regarding out of state notarization: NASS Report on State Notarization Policies and Practices.

More information can be found on our state electronic notarization laws post.

Is it acceptable internationally?

As long as the identity of the signer is verified, enotaries from Virginia can perform electronic notarization in any part of the world. This is suitable for those U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreign country. Although, if you’re going to use the document with a non-U.S. party, you may need an Apostille for that. The convenience of online notarizations for people overseas or doing international business, along with needing out of state notarizations is very beneficial.

Issue with public acceptance

Almost all innovations are met with some criticisms from people who are opposed to changes in their traditional way of doing things. The Virginia Online Notary law is no exception. And the irony of it all is that notaries public are the number one opposition of the new law.

If you have any issues, or someone questions you about online notarization in Virginia, refer to the full context of the Virginia law. If you’re a notary public, it will really help the cause if you spread the latest legal changes in online notarization. Let’s all help in raising awareness of the many advantages of online notarization.

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Have you ever gotten a document notarized online? How was it?

By Casey Likeness