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It outlines the legal foundation under Chapter 39, Article 4 of the West Virginia Code and details the application and renewal process. The guidance covers eligibility qualifications, required application information, commission certification, official seal rules, and key compliance duties for changes, resignation, and electronic notarial consideration.",{"@graph":63,"@context":119},[64,80,102],{"@type":65,"itemListElement":66},"BreadcrumbList",[67,71,74,77],{"item":68,"name":69,"@type":70,"position":9},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":72,"name":10,"@type":70,"position":73},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/",2,{"item":75,"name":41,"@type":70,"position":76},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/letters/",3,{"item":78,"name":59,"@type":70,"position":79},"https://docshare.wps.com/template/west-virginia-notary-handbook-application-and-renewal-process/283570/",4,{"url":78,"name":59,"@type":81,"image":82,"author":87,"headline":59,"publisher":90,"fileFormat":93,"inLanguage":57,"description":61,"dateModified":94,"datePublished":95,"encodingFormat":93,"isAccessibleForFree":96,"interactionStatistic":97},"DigitalDocument",{"url":83,"@type":84,"width":85,"height":86},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/west-virginia-notary-handbook-application-and-renewal-process/283570.png","ImageObject",442,249,{"name":88,"@type":89},"Aria Callaghan","Person",{"url":68,"name":91,"@type":92},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-19","2026-09-17",true,{"@type":98,"interactionType":99,"userInteractionCount":101},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":100},"ViewAction",10,{"@type":103,"mainEntity":104},"FAQPage",[105,111,115],{"name":106,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":108},"What duties does a notary public perform in West Virginia?","Question",{"text":109,"@type":110},"A notary public administers oaths, takes acknowledgments, certifies that a photocopy is a true facsimile, and performs other duties specified by West Virginia law.","Answer",{"name":112,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":113},"What are the basic qualifications required to be commissioned as a notary public?",{"text":114,"@type":110},"Applicants must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, meet residency or employment requirements in West Virginia, be able to read and write English, and have a high school diploma or equivalent, among other eligibility checks.",{"name":116,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":117},"How does the renewal process work for West Virginia notary commissions?",{"text":118,"@type":110},"Notary public commissions are valid for five years. 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Chapter 39, article 4 of the West Virginia Code (W. Va. Code § 39-4-1 et seq.) constitutes West Virgina’s body of notary laws. Before you start offering your services as a notary, familiarize yourself with the law so you can refer to it conveniently if there’s ever a need. To access the West Virginia Code online, go to [https://code.wvlegislature.gov](https://code.wvlegislature.gov).  \nApplication and Renewal Process  \nQualifications to be Commissioned as a Notary Public  \nUnder West Virginia law, a notary public is commissioned by the Secretary of State. Each applicant must complete an application attesting that:  \n1. The applicant is at least eighteen (18) years old.  \n2. The applicant is a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.  \n3. The applicant is a West Virginia resident or is employed in West Virginia.  \n4. The applicant is able to read and write English.  \n5. The applicant has a high school diploma or its equivalent. 1  \n6. The applicant is not disqualified based on the reasons listed in W. Va. Code §§ 39-4- 21 or 39-4-23.  \n7. Indicates whether the applicant plans to perform electronic notarial acts.2  \n8. The applicant has reviewed the law concerning notaries public and understands the duties of a notary public.  \nApplication Process to be Commissioned as a Notary Public  \nIn addition to the requirements listed above, the notary application must include the following information about the applicant:  \n1. Exact name as it will be entered when performing a notarial act.  \n2. Mailing address in West Virginia that will be on the notary stamp.  \n3. E-mail address where correspondence may be received.  \n4. Phone number (daytime and evening) .  \nCompleted applications must be submitted with the statutory $52.00 to the Secretary of State’s Office. 3 No surety bond is needed to become a Notary Public in the State of West Virginia. If any requirement is missing or the application is not signed, it will be rejected and returned to you for completion.  \n1 Unless the notary was commissioned prior to January 1, 2018.  \n2 See the Electronic Notarizations section of this handbook.  \n3 Applicants have the option to voluntarily pay for expedited services at an additional charge.  \nCertificate of Commission  \nOnce your application is approved, you will receive your Secretary of State commission letter that provides the exact information you must include on your notary seal. Check to ensure your name and address information are correct. You must have your stamp created with the information provided in the commission letter.  \nSeal of Office  \nAfter receiving your Secretary of State commission letter, you may purchase your official seal of office (i. e. your notary stamp) from a company of your choosing. The Secretary of State’s Office does not make or issue stamps. Your stamp must include the following:  \n1. The words “Official Seal,” Notary Public,” and “State of West Virginia.”  \n2. Your name.  \n3. Your address or the address of your business or affiliation.  \n4. Your commission expiration date.  \n5. Must have a border and be no larger than 1” x 2. 5”.  \nAny changes to the information that appears on your stamp must be reported to the Secretary of State. If you lose your official seal, you must notify the Secretary of State. We will send anew commission letter via e-mail, and you will need to order a new stamp from a company of your choice.  \nNo one else is allowed to use your notary stamp or execute a notarization for you. In the event of a notary’s death, the notary’s represen","cbCaimLuDyFWFIy2","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaimLuDyFWFIy2","pdf",680743,"English","# What is a Notary Public?\n# Application and Renewal Process\n## Qualifications to be Commissioned as a Notary Public\n## Application Process to be Commissioned as a Notary Public\n# Certificate of Commission\n# Seal of Office\n# Renewal\n# Resignation\n# Change of Name or Address\n# Notary Journal","[{\"question\":\"What duties does a notary public perform in West Virginia?\",\"answer\":\"A notary public administers oaths, takes acknowledgments, certifies that a photocopy is a true facsimile, and performs other duties specified by West Virginia law.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the basic qualifications required to be commissioned as a notary public?\",\"answer\":\"Applicants must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, meet residency or employment requirements in West Virginia, be able to read and write English, and have a high school diploma or equivalent, among other eligibility checks.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the renewal process work for West Virginia notary commissions?\",\"answer\":\"Notary public commissions are valid for five years. Renewals are not automatic and require a new application filed with the Secretary of State, which cannot be processed more than 60 days before expiration.\"}]","West Virginia Notary Handbook - Application and Renewal Process | PDF",1789613033,6]