Virginia notary law does not require a notary to own a seal or use a seal on any document. However, most Virginia notaries use a seal as a matter of custom. If a seal is used, it is recommended that the notary seal be imprinted or stamped just below the notarial statement. Care should be taken to not obscure the signatures or other parts of the document.

Moreover, if a notary expects to notarize documents to be used outside the Commonwealth or to be presented to federal agencies, he or she should be aware that many states and some federal agencies require a seal before they will accept the validity of the notarial act.

Notarial seals must be ordered through a private seal manufacturer. The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth does not make or sell seals.