Individuals must complete the following steps to become a Notary in WV:
- Meet all the state's requirements.
- Read the Notary Public Law on the Secretary of State's website.
- Complete the application and submit the commission fee.
- Buy your official Notary seal.
- Receive your commission certificate and Notary Handbook.
About the West Virginia Notary Process
The term of a WV Notary commission is five years unless you’re a government employee. In which case, your commission expires when your employment with the agency ends.
Below, you'll find more information to help you with the WV Notary Public application process.
Cost to Become a Notary in WV
The cost to become a Notary in West Virginia is approximately $92, depending on where you purchase your Notary stamp.
If you're a government Notary, the application fee is waived.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$52 |
| Notarization fee |
$10 |
| Notary stamp |
$30 |
| Total Cost |
$92 |
Commission Processing Length
It takes about two to three weeks for a commission to be issued after the Secretary of State receives your application and payment.
West Virginia Notary Public Requirements
Wondering what it takes to become a Notary in the Mountain State? Read on below.
Eligibility
A Notary Public applicant in West Virginia must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in West Virginia
- Be able to read and write English
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Not be disqualified from a commission under §39-4-21, which prohibits offering unauthorized legal advice and false advertising
- Not have been convicted of any felony or crime involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit or had a Notary commission suspended or revoked in another state
Notary Public Law
Read the “Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts” West Virginia Code §39-4. On the application, you’ll sign an oath that you have read and understood state Notary laws.
Application
Complete the application online. If you’re a state or local government employee, include a letter from your supervisor requesting the appointment.
Submit your application and $52 commission fee to the West Virginia Secretary of State's Notary Division.
Oath of Office
Print and bring your application to a West Virginia Notary to take your oath of office.
Commission Certificate
You'll receive your commission letter, Notary handbook and Notary seal information after your application is processed. Check the information carefully to make sure it's correct.
Notary Supplies
West Virginia Notaries must use a rubber stamp ink seal for all notarial acts for paper documents. An embosser may be used in addition to — but never as a substitute for — the inked seal. The seal must be in a rectangular shape no larger than 1" x 2.5" in size and contain a milled edge or serrated border surrounding the following information:
- The words "Official Seal"
- The words "State of West Virginia"
- The words "Notary Public"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your business name (if used)
- Your address (residence or business)
- Your commission expiration date
If you opt to use an embosser to accompany your official Notary stamp, it must include: The words "Notary Seal," your name as it appears on your commission, the words "Notary Public" and the words "State of West Virginia."
While not required by law, it is strongly recommended that Notaries maintain a record of all notarial acts in a journal.
West Virginia Notary Public FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about being a West Virginia Notary.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
While appointed by the Governor, Notaries are regulated by the West Virginia Office of the Secretary of State, Notary Division, located in Charleston, WV.
May I become a West Virginia Notary if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become a West Virginia Notary Public. You must, however, be a permanent legal U.S. resident and meet all other application requirements.
Is Notary training required in West Virginia?
A training course is not required to apply for a WV Notary commission. However, the NNA offers several online Notary courses on the fundamentals of a proper notarization and more.
Do I need to take an exam?
No. An exam is not required to become a Notary Public in West Virginia.
Do I need a surety bond or insurance?
West Virginia Notaries are not required to purchase a bond.
Notaries can insure themselves against possible legal costs or damages by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. Though not required by law, an E&O policy covers a Notary's legal fees and damages up to the amount of the policy.
Where will I be able to notarize?
A West Virginia Notary may perform notarial acts anywhere within the state's borders.
Who can I notarize for?
Any member of the public, as long as the request meets all statutory requirements for notarization. You’re prohibited from notarizing any documents in which you or your spouse has a direct beneficial or financial interest.
In addition, you may not notarize documents for relatives from which you could receive money or property interest.
What fees can West Virginia Notaries charge per notarial act?
West Virginia Notaries may charge $10 per notarization.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Notify the Secretary of State of any changes to your address or name within 30 days of the change.
To do so, complete the Notary Public Name and/or Address Change form. There is no fee to file a change, but a new seal bearing your new address and/or name is required.
What is the process to renew my Notary Public commission?
The renewal process in West Virginia is the same as the process you completed for your initial commission. The Secretary of State sends out a reminder to Notaries whose commissions are expiring, but it is the Notary's responsibility to submit all required information and fees for commission renewal.
You may apply for renewal no earlier than 60 days prior to your commission expiration date. If you'd prefer to keep your commission expiration month and day the same, make a note of that on the application and apply at least two weeks prior.
How do I become an electronic Notary in West Virginia?
To become a WV electronic Notary, you must either hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public or be applying for one. Then, choose a technology from one of the state-approved vendors. Next, complete the e-Notarization Authorization application and submit it to the Secretary of State. There is no fee to register as an eNotary. You'll receive a confirmation from the SOS at which point you may begin offering electronic Notary services.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in West Virginia?
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Last updated: Oct 20, 2025