Become a Notary Public in West Virginia
Start a notary business in West Virginia. Commission term: 5 years. Startup costs: $246 - $1,640
Important Notices
Unauthorized
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is a crime that can result in fines and imprisonment.
Interest
Never notarize a document in which you have a personal or financial interest.
Identity
You must properly identify signers. Notarizing for someone you cannot identify exposes you to liability.
Fees
West Virginia sets maximum fees notaries can charge. Exceeding these limits is illegal.
Important Notices
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee State notary application fee | $33 | $33 |
| Surety Bond $5,000 bond (5-year term) | $41 | $41 |
| Notary Seal/Stamp Official notary seal meeting state specifications | $25 | $25 |
| Notary Journal Record book for notarial acts | $21 | $21 |
| Education Course Required or recommended training course | $82 | $82 |
| E&O Insurance Errors and omissions insurance (recommended) | $82 | $82 |
| Business License If operating as a notary business | $61 | $61 |
| Marketing Website, business cards, directory listings | $164 | $164 |
| Total | $509 | $509 |
Notary Commission & Requirements
Age Requirement
Must be at least 18 years old.
West Virginia Secretary of State
West Virginia Residency
Must be a legal resident of West Virginia or have principal place of business in the state.
West Virginia Secretary of State
Background Check
Must pass criminal background check. Certain convictions may disqualify applicants.
West Virginia Secretary of State
Application & Fee
Submit notary application with required fee to West Virginia Secretary of State.
West Virginia Secretary of State
$5,000 Surety Bond
Must obtain and maintain surety bond for 5-year commission term.
Surety Company
Notary Seal/Stamp
Must obtain official notary seal meeting state specifications.
Vendor
Oath of Office
Must take and file oath of office before performing notarial acts.
West Virginia County Clerk
Notary Journal
Record book for documenting all notarial acts performed.
Vendor
Notary Commission & Requirements
Charleston
Notary services in Charleston, WV
Huntington
Notary services in Huntington, WV
Morgantown
Notary services in Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg
Notary services in Parkersburg, WV
Wheeling
Notary services in Wheeling, WV
Notary Services Costs in Other States
View all 50 statesWest Virginia Notary Tips
Consider becoming a Notary Signing Agent for loan document closings (higher income)
Invest in E&O insurance even if not required - it protects your personal assets
Join the National Notary Association for resources and credibility
Offer mobile notary services to increase your customer base
Keep meticulous records in your notary journal for legal protection
West Virginia Notary Tips
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet West Virginia requirements: 18+ years old, state resident, no disqualifying criminal history.
Complete Education
Take any required or recommended notary education course. Some states mandate training.
Submit Application
Complete notary application and submit to West Virginia Secretary of State with required fee.
Obtain Surety Bond
Purchase $5,000 surety bond from licensed surety company.
Take Oath of Office
After commission approval, take oath of office and file with county clerk.
Purchase Supplies
Obtain official notary seal/stamp and journal meeting state specifications.
Start Notarizing
Begin performing notarial acts. Consider mobile notary or loan signing specialization.