Northern Neck Notary, LLC

07/22/2026

The other day while at work, I was notarizing some documents, these documents required several notarizations involving multiple notaries. One of the documents said "I certify...." and the notary just added her stamp to it. There was no proper notarial wording on the document. She didn't sign it, she didn't date it, it didn't include the State or County, and it also didn't have wording to identify where it was a Jurat or Acknowledgement (or Copy Certification). Maybe she thought it was a Jurat but again, it didn't have the proper wording "subscribed and sworn before me... on this day... by..." etc. This is WHY the Secretary of State is now requiring all Virginia Notaries Public to have training when they renew their commission (and new Notaries applying). I've had conversations with Notaries who are STILL not journalling; they were not even aware that they are required to journal (as of July 1, 2026). I'm honestly hoping that these new requirements w**d out some of the Notaries who don't know what they are doing, who don't take their oath seriously, and who put themselves at serious risk for a lawsuit or criminal charges. These requirements really have been long overdue. We should have been required to Journal years ago, and I personally believe all Notaries need to protect themselves by having a good errors & omissions insurance policy. If you need something notarized, call me or find another notary who is experienced, who keeps a proper journal, who has a comprehensive e&o insurance policy, and who takes their duties seriously.

07/01/2026

Dear Virginia Notary Public:

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth is committed to keeping Virginia notaries informed of changes to the law affecting their duties and responsibilities. Several important provisions enacted by the General Assembly will take effect today, July 1, 2026. We encourage all notaries to review these changes carefully and take any necessary steps to ensure compliance.

Mandatory Journal Requirement:
Effective July 1, 2026, all Virginia notaries public will be required to maintain a journal of every notarial act performed. Records of both paper (non-electronic) and electronic notarizations must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years from the date of the notarization. Journals may be maintained in either paper or electronic format, provided they are secure and remain accessible throughout the required retention period. This journal entry must include the form of identification or satisfactory evidence used to verify the identity of the principal and any credible witnesses.

To create a complete and accurate record of every notarial act, our office recommends that notaries record the following information:

- Date and time of the notarization.

- Type of notarial act performed (acknowledgment, jurat, oath, affirmation, copy certification, etc.).

- Title or description of the document.

- Number of pages in the document.

- Name and address of each individual whose signature is notarized.

- Type of identification presented and identifying information sufficient to document the evidence relied upon to verify the individual's identity (e.g., driver's license, passport, military identification card, or other satisfactory evidence of identity authorized by law).

- Fee charged, if any.

- Signature of the signer (recommended).

- Notes regarding unusual circumstances, if applicable.

If you are a traditional notary and are not currently maintaining a notary journal, you should begin doing so as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the new law on July 1, 2026. A well-maintained journal serves as an important record of your official acts and can provide valuable documentation if a notarization is ever questioned. It may help demonstrate that you exercised reasonable care in performing your duties and can offer protection in the event of a complaint, investigation, or legal dispute.

06/27/2026

If Northern Neck Notary isn't available call my friend & colleague LaTonya Wallace-Conyers - The Traveling Notary! She covers the New Kent, Williamsburg, West Point, James City County area.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CE8ftVAex/

🎉 Honored to Be Featured by Umbrella Local Heroes!

I’m excited to share that The Traveling Notary-VA LLC has been featured by Umbrella Local Heroes in their article:

“Mobile Notary, On Demand: How LaTonya Wallace-Conyers Makes Convenience Personal.”

What started as a passion for serving others has grown into a trusted business helping individuals, families, attorneys, title companies, lenders, and businesses with professional mobile notary and apostille services throughout Virginia.

Whether it’s meeting clients at their home, office, hospital, senior living community, or assisting with international document authentication, my goal has always been simple—provide reliable, convenient, and professional service when and where it’s needed most.

I am incredibly grateful to my clients, referral partners, family, and friends for your continued trust and support. Your confidence in my services has made this recognition possible.

📖 Read the full article here:
https://umbrellalocalheroes.com/mobile-notary-on-demand/

Need a trusted Mobile Notary or Apostille Agent?

✅ Mobile Notary Services
✅ Apostille Services
✅ Real Estate Closings

📍 Williamsburg, VA
📞 (757) 598-2147
🌐 www.thetravelingnotaryva.com

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. I look forward to continuing to serve Virginia with professionalism, integrity, and convenience.

06/15/2026

Understand your duties as a Notary Public, get the proper training you need, read and understand the SoS Notary Handbook, keep a notary journal, and maintain an errors & omissions insurance policy - these are the keys to success that EVERY notary needs.

Read the latest news about Notaries from around the United States.

06/08/2026

As of July 1st, 2026 ALL Virginia Notaries Public will be required to keep a Notary Journal! If you know me, you know I preach Journal keeping. I'm old school, I prefer a paper notary journal but there are many notaries that prefer an electronic journal like NotaryAct, which is fine too. As long as you are properly documenting each notary act and identification. IMO, this should have become law a long time ago. This is a best practice for everyone's protection. Notary Journals don't have to be expensive; you can get one off of Amazon for around $10. If you are interested in more information and resources for Virginia Notaries - JOIN VAN!

05/25/2026

05/04/2026

https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/20/woman-gets-4-years-notarizing-fraudulent-property-deeds-attorney-says/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwdGRjcARl1eVjbGNrBGXVtGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHiFLqCNxZjBCF0hEpVakWFU661apBydhHExiCRCC3dyvAHmHXyxnlPnfJ5W3_aem_2qkOcKuwqRpuISjr8_U-Yw

A Memphis woman has been sentenced to 57 months in prison in connection to a real estate fraud case.

04/28/2026

https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2026/04/refinance-fraud-notaries-are-the-last-line-of-defense?utm_campaign=Bulletin_20260427&utm_medium=email&utm_source=braze&utm_content=SpecialNotaryReportRefinanceFraud&NNAID=160971923

Fraud and forgery have turned refinance transactions into the mortgage industry's most dangerous minefield. The numbers are staggering — and the implications for every Notary Signing Agent in America are urgent.