State Information for West Virginia

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West Virginia Notary Requirements and Information

West Virginia Notary Commission Qualifications
Notary applicants must:
• be at least 18 years old;
• be able to read and write English;
• be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.;
• be a resident of West Virginia or a resident of another state that is employed in the state of West Virginia (must have a West Virginia address);
• have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
• not be disqualified to receive a commission pursuant to West Virginia Code §39-4-21 .

How to Apply to Become a West Virginia Notary
See detailed information including applicable fees, on the website of the West Virginia Secretary of State: https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/NotaryApp.aspx

Appointing Officer
Secretary of State.

Term of Office
5 year term.

Notary Education and/or Exam Requirement
Not required.

Notary Bond Requirement
Not required.

Notary Recordbook (Journal) Requirement
Not required. If an electronic journal is voluntarily used, its attributes must comply with the Secretary of State’s administrative rule(s).

Notary Seal Requirement
• Ink stamp required, paper notarial acts. Embossing seal may be used only in conjunction with ink stamp.
• Electronic Notary seal required/specified, electronic notarial acts.

Authorized Duties
• Take acknowledgments;
• administer oaths and affirmations;
• verifications on oath or affirmation;
• witness or attest signatures;
• certify or attest copies;
• note a protest.
• Notary statutes specify that these notarial acts may be performed electronically by registered Electronic Notaries Public.

Change of Name, Address or Eligibility Status
See detailed information on the website of the West Virginia Secretary of State: https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/NotaryFormsFees.aspx


Contact Information for the State of West Virginia

State of West Virginia Notary Website
https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/Licensing.aspx

State of West Virginia Notary Handbook
https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Business/Documents/Notary-Handbook.pdf

State of West Virginia Online Notary Search
https://erls.wvsos.gov/NotarySearchOnline/NotarySearchExternal

Phone Number
(304) 558-8000

Mailing Address
Office of the Secretary of State
Building 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305


Apostilles, Certifications and Authentications Information

Phone Number
(304) 558-8000

Further Information
https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/AuthDocs.aspx



All rights reserved. This information was compiled by the American Society of Notaries. The content of this page may not be reproduced without permission in writing from the American Society of Notaries. Copyright 2020

Information on this page is provided with the understanding that the user is solely responsible for his/her knowledge of notarial law, procedures and practices. The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to change without notice and therefore is provided “as is,” free of warranty of any kind. Last updated August 2020.


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