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Application Procedures
Step 1: Read the West Virginia Code that governs notary practice
On the application to be a West Virginia notary public, you will be signing an oath that you have read and understand the requirements and will follow the law. Legal code pertaining to West Virginia notaries public can be found at the following web address: West Virginia Uniform Notary Act
Step 2: Download and complete the application for appointment as a West Virginia Notary Public
West Virginia Notary Public Application
You can fill out the form online and print to complete the process or you may complete the application by hand. You must obtain the signatures of three (3) witnesses to your character and sign your oath before another notary or officer authorized to administer oaths. If you are renewing and wish to keep the same month and day of expiration, please be sure to include that on the application form. If you are applying as a government notary for the official duties of a state or local governmental entity, your supervisor must provide a letter requesting your appointment. The fee is waived for government notaries. When your application is complete and correct, mail it along with a check or money order in the amount of $52.00 made payable to "Secretary of State", to the following address.
Notary Assistant, Secretary of State
Building 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305-0770
Step 3: Wait to receive your Commission Letter and Notary Stamp Card from the State and then order your supplies from The Notary's Store
New and Renewing Notary Packages
Renewing Notary Packages do not come with a notary journal
The office of the Secretary of State will send you a commission letter and stamp card once your application has been approved and processed. The commission letter will provide the exact information you need to have included on your seal, including your new commission expiration date. Once you have received your commission certificate and stamp card please visit The Notary's Store, you will be entering the West Virginia section for your official notary supplies. We offer a New Notary Supply Package and a Renewing Notary Supply Package which include your required West Virginia Notary Seal/Stamp and other needed notary supplies at a special reduced price. West Virginia law does not require a notary to keep a record of his/her official acts, but it is recommended to do so. A record book will offer an excellent way of recalling past notarial acts. If a notary is called upon to testify in court, a record book may help establish what actually took place. The West Virginia Notary Journal, also available in the online store, was specifically designed for this purpose and contains many elements not available in other registers. To order, enter the required information and scroll down through the page to locate the notary packages, or you can purchase your notary supplies separately. Follow the instructions through checkout. Once you have your official bond you may proceed with step 4.
Note: An Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy is not required by law, but may be purchased as it protects the notary public and pays for any charges the notary might owe for legal fees and costs should the notary be sued.
Your order will be processed as quickly as possible, usually shipping in 1-2 business days.
Step 4: Receive your supplies from The Notary's Store and send the completed stamp card back to the office of the Secretary of State
When you receive your supplies from The Notary's Store you will need to place an impression of your official seal on the stamp card, add the appropriate postage stamp and return the card to the office of the Secretary of State. The card will be preprinted with the correct address. Once the Secretary of State receives the stamp card they will issue your commission certificate, which is valid for a period of 10 years. When you receive the commission certificate you will officially be a notary public for the State of West Virginia and ready to begin your duties as such.
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