Loading...
Loading...
Notary Public
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
5 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
No
Bond Required
no bond needed
You must be a legal resident of West Virginia (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Submit your application to the West Virginia Secretary of State. Application fee: $52.00.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets West Virginia requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $72-$92.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for 5 years. You can then begin performing notarial acts in West Virginia. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a resident of West Virginia, or a resident of another state who works at an office address within West Virginia.
Citizenship
Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
Not RequiredNo formal education course required. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Exam
Not RequiredNo exam required.
Compare top-rated notary education providers in West Virginia.
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Not RequiredBond ($1,000) eliminated effective June 3, 2018 under revised notary law (HB 4207).
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredNot required. Optional E&O insurance recommended.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $52.00 |
Bond Premium Bond eliminated in 2018 | N/A |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost Application + seal | $72-$92 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Complete online application at SOS website
Pay $52 application fee
Receive commission
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
5 years
Renewal Process
Submit a new online recommission application via the Enterprise Registration & Licensing System (ERLS) before expiration.
Renewal Fee
$52.00
Regulatory Board
West Virginia authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with WV RON requirements.
What Makes West Virginia Unique
West Virginia commissions notaries public. The application fee is $52.00. Neighboring states include Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, each with their own notary public requirements. Notary applicants in West Virginia must be residents of the state and submit their application through the Secretary of State.
Bond eliminated in 2018.
Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
5-year commission term.
Application is entirely online.
West Virginia permits Remote Online Notarization (RON), enabling notaries to perform notarizations via audio-video technology for signers located anywhere.
West Virginia notaries must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the state. Applications are processed through the Secretary of State's office.
West Virginia requires notaries to maintain a journal of all notarial acts performed, recording the date, type of act, document type, and identity verification method for each transaction.
Notary requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in West Virginia
See how West Virginia compares: Notary License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare notary requirements across all states →
Notary licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure notary is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does West Virginia compare to other states for notary? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your notary license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in West Virginia.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Notary requirements in West Virginia verified against West Virginia Secretary of State, April 2026.
Moving to West Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Notary license to West Virginia →
Transfer your Notary license from West Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | Ohio → | Pennsylvania → | Virginia →
Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.