Quick Facts
Commission Term
5 years
Bond
Not required
Application Fee
$52
Issuing Authority
Secretary of State
Journal
Optional
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes West Virginia distinctive
- West Virginia permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- West Virginia's $52 application fee is well above the national median of $30.
- West Virginia's 5-year commission term is longer than the national median of 4 years, meaning fewer renewals over a notary's career.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
West Virginia authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- RULONA state (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts)
- NO bond required since June 3, 2018 (unique among many states)
- 5-year commission term (longer than typical 4-year terms in many states)
- No exam or formal education requirements (applicants affirm reading WV notary law)
- Personal knowledge NOT explicitly listed as identity verification method for traditional notarizations (government ID required)
Regulatory Authority
West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
West Virginia Code Chapter 39, Article 4
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts
Primary statutory authority. RULONA adopted: Yes. Effective: Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts in effect
WV Code §39-4-5
WV Code §39-4-5
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §39-4-6
WV Code §39-4-6
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §39-4-7
WV Code §39-4-7
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §39-4-8
WV Code §39-4-8
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §39-4-9
WV Code §39-4-9
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §48-2-401
WV Code §48-2-401
Referenced in state compliance data
WV Code §48-2-202
WV Code §48-2-202
Referenced in state compliance data
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in West Virginia?
A West Virginia notary public commission is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in West Virginia?
West Virginia charges $52 as the application fee to the West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does West Virginia require a notary bond?
No. West Virginia does not require a surety bond as part of the notary commission. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is optional and may still be advisable for protection against personal liability.
Is a notary journal required in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not legally require a notary journal, though keeping one is strongly recommended for evidentiary protection in the event of a challenged signature.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division.
Can West Virginia notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. West Virginia authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can West Virginia notaries use?
West Virginia notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Government-Issued ID and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does West Virginia cap notary fees?
Yes. West Virginia sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Contact state authority for fee information
Who regulates notaries in West Virginia?
West Virginia notaries are commissioned and regulated by the West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does West Virginia authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. West Virginia authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can West Virginia notaries perform?
West Virginia notaries are authorized to perform 9 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in West Virginia?
Start your application through the West Virginia Secretary of State - Notary Division.
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