How to become a notary in West Virginia: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the West Virginia Secretary of State's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in West Virginia: Who can apply: At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a West Virginia resident, or a resident of another state who works at an office address in West Virginia; able to read and write English; a high school diploma or equivalent; not disqualified under West Virginia Code 39-4-21. Bond: No bond is required: the revised notary law eliminated the $1,000 bond requirement. Commission term: Five years. Commissions are issued by the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in West Virginia
| Requirement | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; a West Virginia resident, or a resident of another state who works at an office address in West Virginia; able to read and write English; a high school diploma or equivalent; not disqualified under West Virginia Code 39-4-21. |
| Training | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the West Virginia Secretary of State. |
| Exam | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the West Virginia Secretary of State. |
| Bond | No bond is required: the revised notary law eliminated the $1,000 bond requirement. |
| Commission term | Five years. |
| State fee | A $52 filing fee. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the West Virginia Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | No separate oath of office: on the application you swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that your answers are true and that you will perform notarial acts faithfully. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in West Virginia
- Read West Virginia's Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (Code 39-4).
- Complete the application online and pay the $52 filing fee.
- Receive your commission letter and check the information for your seal.
- Order your rubber stamp seal with the exact information from the letter.
- Receive your commission certificate and notary handbook; you may then begin notarizing.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the West Virginia Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- West Virginia Secretary of State, Applying for a Notary Public Commission, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.