Generate a legally conforming Secured Promissory Note for Virginia that includes all required terms under Virginia promissory note law. Fill in your loan details and download your completed, ready-to-sign Secured Promissory Note as a professional PDF.
Virginia law governs promissory notes with specific usury limits and enforcement rules that shields both note holder and borrower. The usury limit in Virginia is 12% maximum. Lenders have 5 years to file suit to collect on a promissory note in Virginia. Virginia law requires 4 specific elements in a valid promissory note.
Virginia Promissory Note Requirements
Max Interest Rate 12%
Rate Details 12% maximum
Usury Penalty Forfeiture of all interest; double penalty if willful
Statute of Limitations 5 years
Notarization Recommended
Witnesses Recommended (1)
Governing Agency Virginia Circuit Courts
Required Elements Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable
What to Include in a Virginia Secured Promissory Note
Every Secured Promissory Note in Virginia should include the following necessary provisions: the full legal names and addresses of both the creditor and borrowing party, the principal loan amount, the interest rate (which must not exceed 12% maximum under Virginia law), the repayment schedule and due dates, any late payment penalties, the consequences of default, and the governing law clause. Because this is a secured promissory note, you must also describe the collateral in detail, including how it will be valued and the lender's right to seize it upon default.
Virginia requires the following elements in a valid promissory note: written agreement signed by borrower, detailed collateral description, interest rate disclosure, lien filing if applicable.
How to Complete a Virginia Secured Promissory Note
To complete a Secured Promissory Note in Virginia, start by gathering the necessary information: the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the loan amount, the agreed-upon interest rate (must be at or below 12% maximum in Virginia), the repayment terms, and any collateral details if applicable.
Our platform walks you through each section with a guided form tailored to Virginia requirements. Once you have filled in all details, you can preview the document, choose from five professional document styles, and download your completed Secured Promissory Note as a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in Virginia?
Virginia caps interest at 12% maximum. Charging above the legal limit is usury - in Virginia, the penalty is: forfeiture of all interest; double penalty if willful. Always confirm the current rate with an attorney, as usury laws can change.
Do I need a notary for a promissory note in Virginia?
Notarization is not required in Virginia for a promissory note to be legally valid. Notarizing it anyway is strongly recommended - it deters forgery claims, simplifies court enforcement, and makes the note self-authenticating as evidence. Having 1 witness is also recommended.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note in Virginia?
Upon default, the lender may demand immediate repayment of the full outstanding balance, charge any default interest rate specified in the note, and file suit in Virginia court. As a secured note, the lender may also seize and sell the collateral to recover the outstanding amount. Lenders have 5 years from the date of default to file a lawsuit under Virginia's statute of limitations for written contracts.
What collateral can be used for a secured promissory note in Virginia?
Common collateral for secured promissory notes includes real estate, vehicles, equipment, bank accounts, or valuable personal property. The collateral must be described in detail in the note - make, model, serial number, or legal property description depending on the asset type. The lender's right to seize and sell the collateral upon default must also be clearly stated. For real estate collateral, a separate deed of trust or mortgage is typically also required.
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured promissory note?
A secured promissory note is backed by collateral - if the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the collateral to recover the debt. An unsecured note relies solely on the borrower's promise to repay; the lender must sue and obtain a judgment to collect. Secured notes carry less risk for the lender and typically carry lower interest rates as a result.
What must be included in a Virginia Secured Promissory Note?
A valid Secured Promissory Note in Virginia must include: Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable. Our platform automatically includes all required elements formatted to Virginia standards.
What interest rates are allowed on private promissory notes in Virginia?
Virginia caps interest at 12% per year for written contracts (Va. Code §6.2-303) unless both parties agree to a higher rate in writing. When a higher rate is agreed to in a written contract, Virginia generally enforces it without a specific upper limit for business loans - though consumer loans have additional protections. Virginia's 5-year statute of limitations applies to written promissory notes. Lenders should clearly state the agreed rate in the note to preserve enforcement rights.
