VA HB163

Requires circuit court clerks with electronic land records filing systems to establish free property alert notification systems that notify property owners when documents affecting their real property are filed, including instrument number, type, and recording date.

Mandates new notary public applicants complete a 4-hour course of instruction on notarial laws and identity verification, with 1 hour specifically covering real estate fraud and financial exploitation of elderly persons, plus a written examination, effective July 1, 2027.

Requires notaries applying for recommission to complete a 2-hour refresher course, with 1 hour on real estate fraud and elder financial exploitation, each time they seek recommission.

Imposes a duty on settlement agents to exercise ordinary care to reasonably ascertain seller identity prior to real estate closings, using methods such as photo identification, land records review, or credit checks, while providing liability protection for agents who follow these procedures.

Requires notaries to maintain records of all notarial acts for at least five years and present proof of commission to vendors before obtaining an official seal.