Last updated October 24, 2026
Tags: Rules & Regulations
Open the Notarization Record Overview PDF for a high-level summary of e-journal features and workflows.
Open e-journal overview PDFVirginia requires records for traditional and electronic notarial acts.
A traditional notary must keep a record of each act; the statute does not prescribe paper for that record. An electronic notary must keep an electronic record. Retain applicable records for at least five years from the transaction, including traditional acts performed on or after July 1, 2026.
Source: Virginia Code § 47.1-14(C)–(D), reviewed October 24, 2026
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General journal walkthrough · optional features shown
Follow a journal entry from notarization details and signer identification to signature, thumbprint, document details, and final review. Then open the completed record in your journal.
This demo uses sample data. Camera capture, barcode scanning, and thumbprint capture are simulated.
Watch the journal demo on YouTubeVirginia journal requirements & evidence
You can get an e-Journal right here on NotaryCentral! Our e-Journal provides a secure, guided, and affordable solution.
Know the full Remote Online Notarization cost before you launch, then scale as your business grows.
Choose the tools you need. Try Business Suite for 15 completed signings, including $1.50 RON/IPEN rooms; continue at $2.50 per room after the trial without subscribing.
Business Suite ($119.95) + Digital e-Journal ($19.95) billed annually ($139.90 total).
Compare monthly or annual Business Suite and Digital e-Journal subscriptions.
After the trial without a subscription: $2.50 finalization per room, plus $1.50 per signer when ID verification is required. KBA is $1.00 per attempt where applicable.
The Business Suite trial or a paid subscription gives the $1.50 room fee.
RON and IPEN are $1.50 per completed room during the Business Suite trial or with a paid subscription; $2.50 on pay-as-you-go after the trial. ID verification and KBA are billed separately when used.
$10.00/mo
$119.95 billed once per year after savings.
Business Suite subscription
Unlock scheduling, invoicing, and automations, with lower RON and IPEN room fees.
$1.66/mo
$19.95 billed once per year after savings.
Digital e-Journal subscription
Unlock unlimited journal entries with a Digital e-Journal subscription.
$2.50 per room + signer fees
$1.50 per signer for ID verification when required; $1.00 per KBA attempt where applicable.
RON signing credits
Room fee after the trial without Business Suite; trial and paid subscription coverage give the $1.50 rate.
Try Digital e-Journal before subscribing
Unlimited entries and full access
Billed annually
| Feature | NotaryCentral | Other e-Journals | Hard cover bound book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extensive safeguards to prevent mistakes | ✅ The app is meticulously configured to have state-specific validations and features in place | ❌ Minimal amount of guardrails | ❌ No guardrails |
| Non-messy thumbprint capture | ✅ It's digital | ✅ It's digital | ❌ Stains happen |
| Affordable price | ✅ $20 / year, unlimited entries | ❌ $168 / year, unlimited entries | ✅ $30 per 300 entries |
| Works without an internet connection | ✅ Works even if you're signed out of the app | 🟡 You need to be signed in to the app and the app consistently logs you out | ✅ |
| Enables hiding sensitive info | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ How you protect sensitive info is up to you |
| Lets you register interpreters | ✅ | ❌ You can workaround by adding them under "Additional notes" but it looks messy and is editable after finalizing | ✅ |
| Lets you register witnesses | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lets you create daily backups that get stored directly on your device | ✅ | ❌ Not applicable | |
| Lets you extract ID info with a picture | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lets you set an "on decease" note | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Creates receipts | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Some do |
| Easy to prove authenticity of journal entry | ✅ Tamper-evident hash strategy plus automatic timestamps enables high confidence | 🟡 Depends on the tool | ❌ Entries can be quietly erased, raising suspicion |
Record the identity basis for each principal: personal knowledge, the identification type, or the required credible-witness details. A thumbprint is not one of the journal fields listed in Virginia Code § 47.1-14(C). The general video shows optional app features; it is not a checklist of Virginia requirements.
✅ Yes. Learn more.
✅ Yes. Learn more.
✅ Yes. Find it here.
You can export your e-Journal from the app at any time. Open the Journal tab, select More, then choose Export. The same area also includes the Backup control for a full data export.
Export formats
Limits and best practices
Can I use this e-Journal for my Remote Online Notarization appointments?
For remote electronic notarization, keep the required recording and identity evidence with the journal record. An electronic journal alone does not authorize RON; the notary must hold the required electronic commission and use a compliant electronic-notarization process. Virginia journal and recording duties.
Are e-Journal entries tamper-evident?
Yes, entries in NotaryCentral's e-Journal are tamper-evident. Once an entry is saved, a secure tamper-evident hash is created, locking the record. If any part of the entry is altered later, the hash will no longer match, clearly indicating tampering.
How does NotaryCentral make sure my journal data doesn't get lost?
Download an independent backup and keep it protected. Electronic notaries must maintain a backup and protect it against unauthorized use under § 47.1-14(C). The evidence page distinguishes sample export checks from ongoing storage and retention duties.
How do I export my journal?
Go to the Journal tab, select More, then choose Export. For more details on export formats and best practices, see Exporting your journal.
How long does NotaryCentral host my journal?
Keep applicable records for at least five years from each transaction. For traditional acts, the statutory retention rule applies to acts performed on or after July 1, 2026. Keep a protected independent copy rather than relying on a subscription or a hosting promise. § 47.1-14(D).
What happens if I don't have internet connection?
You can create journal entries without an internet connection and even when you are signed out. Once you regain access to the internet you can sync your entries.
Always consult your state's guidelines before proceeding as rules and regulations may change at any time.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.
