Notary Public in West Virginia
Browse 21 cities in West Virginia to find a notary public near you.
West Virginia notaries serve a 5-year commission (W. Va. Code §39-4-20); government-employee notaries instead hold a commission tied to their term of office. Notary services are essential across the state for mineral rights transfers, real estate deeds, legal affidavits, and estate documents, with mobile notaries serving both the Charleston-Huntington corridor and the state's many rural communities. The fee cap is $10 per signature. Remote online notarization is legal in West Virginia. West Virginia requires no notary bond, though a training course is mandatory — a lighter financial bar than most states with comparably long commission terms.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
West Virginia notaries are commissioned by the West Virginia Secretary of State — Notary Division (appointed by the Governor), which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a West Virginianotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, West Virginia law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $10 per signature. A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
West Virginia has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in West Virginia
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| Training course | Required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in West Virginia typically runs $92, covering the application, training, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the West Virginia Secretary of State — Notary Division (appointed by the Governor).