How to Become a Notary in West Virginia (2026 Guide)

Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →

Key Takeaways

No surety bond required (eliminated in 2018 by HB 4207)
No exam or training course required
Application fee: $52 | Commission term: 5 years
Must be 18+, a WV resident, and able to read/write English
RON available since June 2021
Journal recommended but not required

West Virginia eliminated its $1,000 surety bond requirement in 2018 through House Bill 4207. No exam or training is required. Applications are submitted online through the Secretary of State. Here is how the process works.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a West Virginia resident
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Read West Virginia Notary Law

West Virginia requires all applicants to read the “Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts” (West Virginia Code §39-4). You will sign an oath on the application confirming you have read and understood the law. This is the only educational requirement in the state.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

Complete the notary application through the West Virginia Secretary of State. The process is fully online. Pay the $52 filing fee. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 3: Receive Your Commission and Buy Supplies

Once approved, you will receive your commission certificate. Purchase a notary stamp (required) and a journal (recommended). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. Your stamp must include your name, “Notary Public,” “State of West Virginia,” and your commission expiration date. You can start notarizing once you have your stamp and certificate.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
Application fee (Secretary of State)	$52
Notary stamp	$15-$25
Notary journal (recommended)	$10-$50
Total	$77-$127

Fee Schedule

West Virginia sets a maximum fee of $5 per notarial act. You may also charge a reasonable travel fee for mobile services if agreed upon in advance with the signer.

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications on oath or affirmation
Witness or attest signatures
Certify copies of documents
Note protests of negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

West Virginia requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of West Virginia,” and your commission expiration date. You cannot perform notarizations without your stamp.

Notarizing for Family Members

West Virginia does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. You cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Avoid notarizing for yourself or your spouse on shared financial documents.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended. Since West Virginia eliminated its bond requirement, there is no financial protection for the public or for you. E&O insurance covers you personally if you are sued for a notary error. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year for $25,000-$100,000 in coverage.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor charge
Fraud or forgery: felony charges
Commission revocation: the Secretary of State can revoke your commission at any time for cause
Civil liability: you can be held personally liable for damages caused by your errors

Employer Obligations

Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

Renewal

West Virginia notary commissions last 5 years. Renew through the Secretary of State. You may apply for renewal no earlier than 60 days before your commission expires. The Secretary of State sends a reminder before expiration, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

West Virginia authorized remote online notarization in June 2021. To perform RON, you must hold an active WV notary commission and register with the Secretary of State. You must also use an approved RON technology provider. Check the Secretary of State’s website for the current list of approved providers.

Becoming a Signing Agent

West Virginia is not an attorney-closing state, so signing agents can handle loan document signings without attorney involvement. The Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Charles Town) is the strongest market in the state, driven by DC-area buyers priced out of Virginia and Maryland. Signing fees typically run $75-$150 per appointment.

How West Virginia Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	West Virginia	Virginia	Pennsylvania	Ohio	Maryland
Bond	None	None	$25,000	None	None
Exam	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Training	No	No	3 hours	3 hours	Yes
Term	5 years	4 years	4 years	5 years	4 years
Max Fee	$5	$5	$5	$5	$8
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

West Virginia eliminated its bond requirement in 2018, joining Virginia and Maryland as no-bond states in the region. Pennsylvania’s $25,000 bond is the outlier. Ohio and West Virginia share the same 5-year term. All five states now permit RON.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in West Virginia?

No. West Virginia does not require a notary exam or training course.

Do I need a surety bond in West Virginia?

No. West Virginia eliminated its surety bond requirement in 2018 via House Bill 4207. E&O insurance is recommended but not required.

How long does a West Virginia notary commission last?

5 years. You may apply for renewal no earlier than 60 days before your commission expires.

Is a notary journal required in West Virginia?

No, but it is strongly recommended for your protection.

How do I apply to become a West Virginia notary?

Apply online through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s portal. Pay the $52 application fee. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

How to Become a Notary in West Virginia (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements