To become a notary in Virginia, follow these steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements:

   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Be able to read and write English.
   • Be a legal resident of the United States.
   • Be a resident of Virginia or regularly employed in Virginia.
   • Must not have been convicted of a felony or have had civil rights restored after a felony.

2. Complete the application:

   • Fill out the Application for Appointment as Notary Public, available online or at Circuit Court Clerk offices.
   • Sign Part 3 of the application and have your signature notarized by an active Virginia notary.

3. Pay the application fee of $45.

4. Mail your notarized application and fee (or payment receipt if paid online) to: Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
   P.O. Box 1795
   Richmond, Virginia 23218

5. Wait for approval from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, which usually takes about three weeks.

6. Once approved, you will be notified to visit the Circuit Court you selected on your application.

7. At the Circuit Court, take the oath of office and pay a $10 fee.

8. Obtain a notary seal (stamp or embosser) complying with Virginia requirements.

Additional Notes:

• The notary commission lasts four years and expires on the last day of your birth month.
• If you do not claim your commission within 60 days of approval notification, you must reapply.
• A notary journal is recommended for recording notarial acts.

The total cost typically amounts to around $95, including the application fee, oath fee, and notary seal cost. This process allows you to legally perform notarizations in Virginia upon receiving your commission.