How to Become a Notary in West Virginia
Learn about West Virginia notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to West Virginia law.
West Virginia does not mandate a pre-commission education course for traditional notary applicants. Applicants must apply through the Secretary of State's office. However, remote online notarization (RON) notaries must complete additional education approved by the Secretary of State. Notary Mentor is a supplementary study resource only and does not fulfill any state-mandated requirements.
West Virginia Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in West Virginia.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Under West Virginia Code § 39-4-11, notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Entries must include the date and time, type of act, document description, signer's name and address, ...
Fees & Seals
West Virginia Code § 39-4-13 sets maximum fees. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment, jurat, or oath is $5.00 per act. For RON notarizations, the maximum is $25.00. The notary's seal must contain the...
Key Topics Covered for West Virginia
Master these essential areas of West Virginia notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Under West Virginia Code § 39-4-1 et seq. and the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) as adopted in West Virginia, an acknowledgment requires the signer to personally app...
Journals & Records
Under West Virginia Code § 39-4-11, notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. Entries must include the date and time, type of act, document description, signer'...
Identity Verification
Under West Virginia Code § 39-4-7, a notary may verify identity through personal knowledge, presentation of a current government-issued identification document bearing a photograph...
RON Specifics
West Virginia enacted RON provisions under West Virginia Code § 39-4-17 et seq. A notary must register as a remote notary with the Secretary of State, complete RON-specific educati...
Prohibited Acts
Under West Virginia Code § 39-4-15, a notary may not perform a notarial act if the signer is not present (or connected via approved RON), if the notary cannot identify the signer, ...
Fees & Seals
West Virginia Code § 39-4-13 sets maximum fees. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment, jurat, or oath is $5.00 per act. For RON notarizations, the maximum is $25.00. The notary's s...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in West Virginia
Mistakes that West Virginia notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Not maintaining a journal of notarial acts as required by West Virginia Code § 39-4-11.
Performing RON without registering with the Secretary of State and completing required RON education.
Exceeding the $5.00 maximum fee for traditional notarizations or $25.00 for RON acts.
Failing to retain RON audio-video recordings for the required ten-year period.
Notarizing a document in which the notary has a direct financial interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in West Virginia.
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