How to Become a Notary in West Virginia

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

No

Exam Required

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

No

Commission Term

5 years

Journal Required

No

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in West Virginia

Education:

Not required.

Education Final:

No training is required.

Exam:

No exam is required

Exam Final:

No exam is required.

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

No surety bond is needed to become a Notary Public in the State of West Virginia. If any requirement is missing or the application is not signed, it will be rejected and return to you for conpletion.

Bond Final:

No bond is required

Applictation:

The following steps must be completed before a person can lawfully begin to notarize documents. Step 1 Read the Notary Public Law Step 2 Complete the application(s) Online Step 3 Receive Commission Letter and Check Your Seal Step 4 Order Rubber Stamp Seal Step 5 Receive Commission Certificate and Notary Handbook Step 6 Review the Notary Handbook

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies:

Order your rubber stamp seal. Search online or in the yellow pages for “Rubber Stamps” or “Office Supplies” to find a company that makes official seals. Provide the exact information given in your commission letter to the company making your seal. When you order, remind the vendor that the stamp must meet state specifications. Learn more information about the notary seal.

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

File Oath And Commission:

A notary public can administer an oath unless the law expressly states that it be done by another officer. For instance, West Virginia law requires all depositions to be attested by a certified court reporter. The individual whom you are administering the oath must be present. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Secretary of State commission letter that provides the exact information you must include on your notary seal. Check to ensure your name and address information are correct. You must have your stamp created with the information provided in the commission letter.

Take the Notary Fundamentals Course Today

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West Virginia Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The secretary of state appoints West Virginia notaries. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office receives notary applications for appointment and reappointment, processes the registrations for electronic notaries public, administers the commissioning process, and maintains a database of all active notaries public and commissioners.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.