How to Become an Online Notary in West Virginia

As of June 17, 2021, West Virginia Notaries have the opportunity to apply for authorization to conduct remote online notarizations (RONs). To embark on the path of becoming a remote Notary in West Virginia, adhere to the following steps:

Maintain an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
Enter into an agreement with a RON software provider that aligns with the state’s prescribed requirements.
Inform the Secretary of State about your intention to perform remote online notarizations and provide the Secretary of State’s office with the name of your chosen RON vendor.

Once you’re authorized to perform RON in West Virginia and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!

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What are the requirements to become a Notary in West Virginia?

To qualify as a Notary Public in West Virginia, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency.
Reside in West Virginia or maintain a place of employment or practice within the state.
Possess the ability to read and write in English.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
Not be disqualified under §39-4-21, which prohibits offering unauthorized legal advice and false advertising.
Have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
Not have had a Notary commission suspended or revoked in another state.

For further details, consult the West Virginia Notary Handbook or the West Virginia SoS Website.

How to Become a Traditional Notary in West Virginia (Get your Notary Commission)

Individuals aspiring to become a Notary in West Virginia are required to navigate through the following streamlined process:

Ensure eligibility by meeting the state’s requirements.
Review the Notary Public Law on the Secretary of State’s website.
Complete the application form accurately and comprehensively.
Government applicants must provide a letter from their supervisor if applicable.
Submit the application along with the $52 commission fee to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Notary Division.
Carefully review the commission letter and Notary seal information for accuracy upon receipt.
Purchase an official Notary seal, a crucial tool for the role
Await the commission certificate and the Notary Handbook.
Consider acquiring a journal for record-keeping (optional but recommended).
Explore the option of securing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection (optional).
Enhance knowledge and skills by taking a Notary training class or seeking guidance from experienced Notary experts (optional but recommended).

Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in West Virginia.

For any confusion in the process, we recommend joining the BlueNotary Mastermind Facebook Group full of notaries from each state who have been through the exact state processes and can help guide you along the way.

Updated on: 02/07/2024