Sometimes it is not enough to just sign the documents you create; in many cases, notarization is required. If you deal with different matters of high importance in Virginia, like purchasing a piece of real property, the Virginia Notary Acknowledgment form is a document that you will need to make the deal legal and correct.
While for some forms, you can choose whether to notarize them or not, for others, this is obligatory. Every state offers its own rules about the papers, so you have to find out the proper and current info anytime you prepare any document.
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If you are wondering why notarization even exists, here is a simple answer: every time you ask a notary to verify your document, they check your ID card and ensure that it belongs to your personality. Moreover, they check that you are putting your signature voluntarily, and nobody forces you to do so. Those two actions will be done for everyone who signs the notary form and appears in front of the notary.
Among the documents that require to be notarized in Virginia and other American states are wills, trusts, power of attorney forms, custody agreements, real property contracts, financial statements and forms, and so on. The list is rather long and varies from state to state. Anytime you create a legal form related to an important and serious decision in your life, do not forget to check if the paper’s notarization is required.
Below, we will define the basic notarization rules in Virginia and offer a brief step-by-step guide that explains in detail how to apply to a notary in the state and make your document valid. Do not worry: the procedure is a no-brainer, and you will probably spend less than an hour to complete it.
Before you go and notarize any legal paper you prepare in Virginia, remember to check the local laws. Most of them are included in the Code of Virginia, Title 47.1 and Title 55.1.
In Title 47.1 of the Code, you may get the details regarding notaries and out-of-state commissioners: general provisions on the topic, their powers and duties, the fees they may set for their services, and so on.
Chapter 6 of Title 55.1 of the Code tells readers about the recordation of documents in the state of Virginia. There, you may check the statutory forms of notary acknowledgment (they are added to section 55.1-621).
The notaries shall use the Notary Handbook, officially called “A Handbook for Virginia Notaries Public,” published by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. There, one may find the complete info about the notaries’ activity in the state.
As the handbook and the Code of Virginia say, Virginia residents have the full right to complete a remote notarization (via the Internet). Requirements and the process are similar to the offline procedure.
However, if you want to verify your form offline, see our notarization guide below.
There is nothing difficult in notarizing your legal forms in Virginia. You just have to complete a couple of simple steps and pay the required fees to get your Virginia Notary Acknowledgment form. See the steps below.
Choose a Notary in Virginia
Some residents who often deal with different contracts, forms, and legal actions may have their personal notary who they have known for years and trust, although it is a common practice. Still, many people do not need such a service on a daily basis and may need to notarize a form once or twice.
If you are looking for a notary public in Virginia, try applying to local banks or credit unions. For instance, there are many BB&T offices in the state that may help. Another option is to visit any UPS store nearby. Lastly, many public notarial officers work for the local residents every day.
We recommend you perform an online search in advance, find a notary close to you, and check the selected notary via the special Secretary of the Commonwealth database. You will need either the notary’s full name or their ID.
Take All the Needed Documents to the Notary Public
After ensuring that the chosen specialist is allowed to work in the state, you can take all your forms that need to be notarized to the notary’s office. Remember to check all the papers in advance. Do not sign the documents because it would be best if you sign them in front of the notary. Cover the demanded fees when you get to the office and pass the papers to the notary for the check.
Before you go, do not forget to take one of your ID documents so that the notary can identify you.
In Virginia, you need to either know the notary in person or have to provide one of the following:
Expect the Acknowledgment to Happen
The notary will check all your documents, including the one proving your ID. The same relates to the second party if the legal form you sign presumes there is another signatory. Once the check is complete, all signatories sign the papers.
After that, the notary will sign and date the form, seal it, and provide you with the acknowledgment certificate.