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    State of West Virginia
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Becoming a Notary Public has never been easier. All of your State's Contact Information is listed for your reference and review. Scroll down and you will find your State's Qualifications and easy to follow Application Procedures.

Thanks for allowing the Notary Learning Center to help you in becoming a Notary Public.

Because the qualifications and requirements are different for each state, use the "Select another State" menu above for information specific to becoming a Notary Public in that State.

Contact Information:

State Contact: Office of the Secretary of State
Appointing Authority: Secretary of State

Contact:
Office of the Secretary of State
Notary Public Division
State Capitol, Building 1, Suite 157K
1900 Kanawha Blvd., E.
Charleston, WV 25305-0770

Telephone: 304-558-8000
Toll Free: 866-767-8683
E-Mail: Notary@wvsos.gov
Website: https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/NotaryApp.aspx

Qualifications

Applicants for the office of notary public must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old and not disqualified from voter registration because of conviction of a felony
  • Be able to read and write English
  • Be a citizen of the United States, or of a country which allows U.S. citizens to become a notary public there
  • Be a resident of West Virginia, or a resident of another state who works at an office address within West Virginia
  • Not have had a notary commission revoked within the last 10 years

Term of Office
5 years

Appointment
Secretary of State

Notary Education
Recommended - not required

Notary Exam
Not required

Study Course
"Notary Public Education Course"
FREE when you purchase a Notary Supply Package at The Notary's Store

Bond
$1000 (Ordered before filing your application)

Seal of Office
Rubber Stamp Seal with reproducible ink required by state law. Embossing Seal is optional and can only be used in conjunction with your rubber seal stamp.

Notary Journal
Officially recommended by the state

E & O insurance
Not required - Errors and Omissions Insurance is recommended for notary protection


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 Notary Public Laws

Step 2: Complete the online application for appointment as a West Virginia Notary Public

West Virginia Notary Public Application

Your application must be submitted with either a $1,000 notary bond. A West Virginia notary bond or insurance policy may be purchased from Notary Rotary.

Complete the application(s) Online to apply for your initial appointment or to apply for recommission. Select the form number to download the application. The filing fee is $52.

WV Secretary of State, Notary Division
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
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, West Virginia Notary Journal 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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