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How to Become a Notary Public in West Virginia

Checked against West Virginia Secretary of State, Notary Division ·

Exam
Not required
Training
Not required
Term
5 years
State fee
$52 (waived for state and local government notaries with a supervisor's letter; federal employees are not eligible for the waiver)
Bond
No bond required
Commissioned by
West Virginia Secretary of State, Notary Division
Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • Live in West Virginia, or live in another state and work at an office address in West Virginia.
  • Be able to read and write English.
  • Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
  • Not be disqualified under West Virginia Code 39-4-21 or 39-4-23.

Step by step

  1. Read the West Virginia notary law (W. Va. Code chapter 39, article 4).
  2. Apply online through the Enterprise Registration & Licensing System and pay the $52 fee.
  3. Wait for your commission letter and check that your name and address are correct.
  4. Order a rubber stamp seal using the exact details in your commission letter.
  5. Receive your commission certificate and the notary handbook, then start notarizing.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in West Virginia

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

  • $52
  • $
  • $
  • $
Estimated total in West Virginia$52Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.
Cost details from the state
  • Rubber stamp seal from a vendor of your choice
  • Optional expedited processing for an extra charge
  • Journal (not required, but strongly advised)

What other sites get wrong about West Virginia

Myth: West Virginia notaries need a surety bond.

Fact: The bond requirement was eliminated effective June 3, 2018 (W. Va. Code 39-4-20, HB 4207); no bond is needed. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: File a new application with the Secretary of State and pay the fee again; renewals are not automatic and cannot be processed more than 60 days before expiration.

Remote online notarization: Yes. A commissioned notary can register for electronic, remote online (RON) and remote ink notarization by filing the free E-Notarization Authorization application and using approved technology.

Good to know in West Virginia

Renewal cost: Recommissioning costs the same $52 filing fee as a first application (waived for state and local government notaries).

What you can charge: W. Va. Code 39-4-30 caps fees at $10 per signature notarized, $10 per page for a certified facsimile you keep on file, and $10 for any other notarial act.

Sources

Other states

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General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with West Virginia Secretary of State, Notary Division before you apply.