How to Become a Notary in West Virginia

How to Become a Notary in West Virginia

Want to become a Notary Public in West Virginia? Whether you’re looking to work in your community or start a mobile Notary business, this guide breaks down every step of the process—from application to commission. 🖋️📚

✅ West Virginia Notary Application Process

To become a commissioned Notary in WV, follow these steps:

✔️ Meet the eligibility requirements

📖 Read the West Virginia Notary application

💳 Pay the $52 application fee

🖊️ Take your oath of office with a current West Virginia Notary

🪪 Receive your commission certificate

🔏 Purchase your official Notary seal and (optional) journal

📆 Your Notary commission is valid for 5 years (unless you’re a government employee).

💰 Cost to Become a West Virginia Notary
Item Estimated Cost
Application fee $52
Notarization fee $10
Notary seal $30
Total $92

💡 If you’re a government employee, your application fee is waived.

⏱️ Commission Processing Time

After the Secretary of State receives your application and fee, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for your commission to be issued.

📋 West Virginia Notary Eligibility

To qualify for a Notary commission in the Mountain State, you must:

✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
✅ Be a resident of or work in West Virginia
✅ Be able to read and write English
✅ Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
🚫 Not have prior felony convictions or Notary suspensions in any state
🚫 Not offer unauthorized legal advice or engage in false advertising

📚 Read the Law

Applicants must read the “Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts” (WV Code §39-4) and affirm on the application that they understand the rules and responsibilities of a WV Notary.

📝 Submitting the Application

Complete the Notary Public application online

Print and sign the oath of office in front of a current West Virginia Notary

Submit your completed application and $52 fee to the Secretary of State’s Notary Division

Government employees: Include a letter from your supervisor requesting your appointment

📜 Commission Certificate & Handbook

Once approved, you’ll receive:

📄 Your commission letter
📘 A Notary handbook
🖊️ Instructions for ordering your Notary seal

Be sure to verify that all information is correct!

🔏 Notary Seal Requirements

West Virginia requires a rubber ink stamp for notarizing paper documents.

Your official seal must:

Be rectangular, no larger than 1" x 2.5"

Include a milled or serrated border

Contain the following info:

“Official Seal”

“State of West Virginia”

“Notary Public”

Your full name as on commission

Your business name (if applicable)

Your residential or business address

Your commission expiration date

Optional: Use an embosser for added security. If you do, it must include:

“Notary Seal”

Your name as it appears on your commission

“Notary Public”

“State of West Virginia”

📓 Notary Journal (Optional, but Recommended)

While WV does not require a journal, it’s strongly encouraged to:

✅ Log all notarizations for legal protection
✅ Track your work for business and audit purposes

Choose a bound, tamper-evident Notary journal to keep your records secure.

🚀 Ready to Start Your Notary Journey in West Virginia?