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Deed Recording Requirements in Virginia

Virginia clerks record a deed when it has been acknowledged (or proved by two witnesses), and a state recordation tax applies to deeds based on consideration or value.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Virginia at a glance

Notary acknowledgment
Required to record
Witnesses
None
Transfer tax
State tax applies
Exemptions may apply

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Virginia

Does a deed need to be notarized in Virginia?

Virginia requires a deed to be acknowledged (or, where the statute allows, proved) before it can be recorded.

How many witnesses does a deed need in Virginia?

None. Virginia does not require witnesses to sign a deed.

Is there a real estate transfer tax in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia charges a state transfer tax or similar fee when a deed is recorded. Some transfers may be exempt, so check the current statute.

Where do the Virginia rules for deeds come from?

They come from Va. Code 55.1-600 When and where writings recorded and Va. Code 58.1-801 Deeds generally. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Virginia compares

Virginia is one of 35 jurisdictions that charge a state transfer tax or deed fee.

What this means in practice

Record the signed deed with the county recorder, register of deeds or land records office where the property is located. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and generally protects the new owner against later claims.

Recording offices often have formatting rules (margins, paper size, a return address, a parcel number) and charge a fee. Check the county's requirements before you sign.

A deed does not pay off a mortgage. If the property is mortgaged, the loan usually stays in place after the transfer.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.