Notary questions · Virginia
Can a notary notarize for family, or give legal advice, in Virginia?
Family members
A notary can’t notarize a document that the notary or their spouse is a party to, or that either of them benefits from directly (§ 47.1-30). The law doesn’t list other relatives, but many notaries avoid notarizing for close family so nobody can question the document later.
With a mobile notary like Ink Mark, you don’t have to worry about it. We’re independent.
Legal advice
A notary who isn’t an attorney can’t give legal advice or help decide which document you need (§ 47.1-15). Your attorney, or the organization that asked for the document, should answer questions about what it says or does.
What a notary does do
- Checks the signer’s identity.
- Confirms the signer is signing willingly.
- Watches the signature and completes the notary certificate.
Need a notary in the Richmond area?
We come to hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and homes. Witnesses available. $10 per notarization plus travel.
General information about Virginia law as of November 2026, not legal advice. Ink Mark notarizes signatures; your attorney or the organization that gave you the document decides what it needs.