An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
California. California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
The short answer is "yes" to both: (1) electronic notarization is available in Virginia, but it requires certain technological capabilities and a notary who has obtained an additional certification, and (2) a notary may remotely witness a signature in Virginia, provided certain requirements are met.
To become a notary in Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have a clean criminal record. Proof of legal residency is required to ensure that notaries can fulfill their duties under Virginia's legal standards.
Virginia notaries have limited powers in performing notarial acts outside the Commonwealth of Virginia. A traditional notary public may perform any notarial act outside the Commonwealth for any writing to be used in the Commonwealth of Virginia or by the United States government.
Virginia notaries may notarize powers of attorney and wills. Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify true copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Only the Division of Vital Records/Statistics may perform such a certification.
No person who has ever been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the laws of any other state, qualify to be appointed and commissioned as a notary public unless such person has had their civil rights restored.
The signer must appear before the notary. The notary must identify the signer. The signer must take an oath or affirmation in the notary's presence and verbally confirm the document's truthfulness (silent nods are not sufficient). The document must be signed by the signer in the notary's presence.
To be eligible to apply for a Virginia Notary Public Commission, you must be: At least eighteen years old. A legal resident of the United States. Able to read and write the English language. A resident of Virginia or regularly employed in the state and perform notary services in connection with their employment.
