Virginia e-signature and notarization law

Virginia's electronic signature law: the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Va. Code §§ 59.1-479 et seq. (Title 59.1, ch. 42.1)). Electronic signatures are also valid under the federal ESIGN Act for most transactions. Some documents are excluded, such as wills, divorce and adoption documents, court orders and certain official notices.

The fuller federal list is in our guide to e-signing in the United States.

What Virginia's e-signature law does not cover

Va. Code § 59.1-481 says the Act does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by:

• The rules for creating and executing a will, a codicil or a testamentary trust.
• Title 8.1A except § 8.1A-306, and Titles 8.3A, 8.4, 8.4A, 8.5A, 8.7, 8.8A, 8.9A, 8.10 and 8.11.

How Virginia's law treats electronic records

Virginia's section 59.1-485 says an electronic record satisfies a law requiring a writing. Its signature clause is broader than most: an electronic signature satisfies a law that requires a signature or provides for certain consequences in the absence of one.

Remote online notarization in Virginia

Remote online notarization: allowed in Virginia since July 1, 2012.

Virginia's approach runs through its electronic notaries. Va. Code § 47.1-2 defines an electronic notary public as a notary commissioned by the Secretary with the capability of performing electronic notarial acts. An applicant submits a registration form established by the Secretary to be registered and commissioned as an electronic notary public.

For an electronic notarization, satisfactory evidence of identity may be based on video and audio conference technology. The 2011 Acts of Assembly, chapter 731, made the provisions on video and audio conference technology effective July 1, 2012.

Over video, one route Va. Code § 47.1-2 allows for confirming identity is at least two listed methods, the first of which is credential analysis of an unexpired government-issued ID bearing the principal's photograph and signature.

The electronic notarial certificate must show whether the notarization was done in person or by remote online notarization. The electronic notary keeps a copy of the video and audio conference recording, and the electronic record of the act is maintained for at least five years.

Virginia sets separate fee caps: up to $10 for a paper acknowledgment or oath, and up to $25 for the electronic equivalents. An electronic notary who starts using updated technology notifies the Secretary within 90 days.

SignAndGo doesn't notarize documents. A commissioned notary does that, using a remote notarization platform where the state allows it.

Where to read Virginia's law

• Electronic signatures: Va. Code §§ 59.1-479 et seq. (Title 59.1, ch. 42.1), exclusions at § 59.1-481.
• Electronic notarization: Va. Code § 47.1-2, registration at § 47.1-7.

Checked against Virginia's published law on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.