How to become a notary in West Virginia
Eligibility, the application, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the West Virginia Secretary of State (Notary Division).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, West Virginia resident, or a resident of another state who works at an office address in West Virginia; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Must read and write English and have a high school diploma or equivalent; must not be disqualified under W. Va. Code §§39-4-21 or 39-4-23. Applicant attests under penalty of perjury that they have read the notary law.
- Apply to the West Virginia Secretary of State (Notary Division) — Pay the $52 state fee. Other fees: Optional expedited service at an extra charge; e-notarization authorization, name/address change, lost seal and resignation filings are free. Fee waived for state/local government notaries with a supervisor's letter (federal employees not eligible).
- Take the oath and file it — No separate oath of office or county filing: the applicant swears/affirms on the online application (under penalty of perjury) that answers are true and that they will perform notarial acts faithfully. After approval, the SOS sends a commission letter (used to order the stamp), then the commission certificate and handbook.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: rubber stamp seal, rectangular, no larger than 1 in. x 2.5 in., with a border, containing 'Official Seal', 'Notary Public', 'State of West Virginia', your name, address and commission expiration date (exactly as in the commission letter). State seal image optional; embossed seal allowed only in addition to the stamp. Journal: Recommended (required for electronic/remote notarial acts).
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches West Virginia's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
West Virginia notary requirements
| Commissioned by | West Virginia Secretary of State (Notary Division) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · West Virginia resident, or a resident of another state who works at an office address in West Virginia; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident |
| Course | Not required No course required; applicant must read W. Va. Code §39-4 (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts) and attest to understanding it |
| Exam | Not required No exam required |
| State fee | $52 |
| Other fees | Optional expedited service at an extra charge; e-notarization authorization, name/address change, lost seal and resignation filings are free. Fee waived for state/local government notaries with a supervisor's letter (federal employees not eligible) |
| Surety bond | None No surety bond required (the former $1,000 bond was eliminated effective June 3, 2018) |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | None |
| Term | 5 years |
| Oath / filing | No separate oath of office or county filing: the applicant swears/affirms on the online application (under penalty of perjury) that answers are true and that they will perform notarial acts faithfully. After approval, the SOS sends a commission letter (used to order the stamp), then the commission certificate and handbook |
| Seal | Required: rubber stamp seal, rectangular, no larger than 1 in. x 2.5 in., with a border, containing 'Official Seal', 'Notary Public', 'State of West Virginia', your name, address and commission expiration date (exactly as in the commission letter). State seal image optional; embossed seal allowed only in addition to the stamp |
| Journal | Recommended (required for electronic/remote notarial acts) |
| Max fee per notarization | $10 per signature notarized; $10 per page for certified copies; $10 for any other notarial act |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Commissioned notaries register free with the SOS (E-Notarization Authorization via ERLS) naming an approved technology vendor; covers in-person e-notarization, remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink notarization (RIN). Must keep a journal of electronic acts and audio-video recordings of RON/RIN for at least 5 years. Registration expires with the commission |
| Renewal | Not automatic: file a new application ($52) online; cannot be processed more than 60 days before expiration |
Applications are filed online through the Enterprise Registration & Licensing System (erls.wvsos.gov). The address on the stamp is your WV mailing/business address; name or address changes must be filed within 30 days and require a new stamp. Handbook revised September 2025.
Sources: WV SOS – Applying for a Notary Public Commission · WV SOS – Notary Public Forms and Fees · WV SOS – The Notary Seal · WV SOS – e-Notarization · West Virginia Notary Handbook (Rev. September 2025). Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a West Virginia notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other West Virginia licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All West Virginia insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in West Virginia?
The state fee is $52, plus Optional expedited service at an extra charge; e-notarization authorization, name/address change, lost seal and resignation filings are free. Fee waived for state/local government notaries with a supervisor's letter (federal employees not eligible). Add a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in West Virginia?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in West Virginia?
No. West Virginia requires no course or exam, though a short course helps you avoid mistakes.
How much can a notary charge in West Virginia?
$10 per signature notarized; $10 per page for certified copies; $10 for any other notarial act.
Can I be an online notary in West Virginia?
Yes. Commissioned notaries register free with the SOS (E-Notarization Authorization via ERLS) naming an approved technology vendor; covers in-person e-notarization, remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink notarization (RIN). Must keep a journal of electronic acts and audio-video recordings of RON/RIN for at least 5 years. Registration expires with the commission