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Applying for a Notary Public Commission
Before You Apply
The application process for new and renewing notaries involves
several steps. It is not possible to obtain a notary commission in
just a few days, so please allow time before planning to begin
notarizing documents.
Before you apply, check to make sure
you meet the eligibility requirements for becoming a notary
public. If you are renewing, apply early so there will be no break
between your old and new commissions.
Also, if your primary reason for
applying is to notarize documents for a business you or your spouse
owns, STOP!
The law prohibits you from notarizing a document in which you have a
financial interest.
Eligibility
The eligibility
requirements for appointment as a notary public in West Virginia are
simple. A person must:
- Be a citizen of the
United States, or of a country which allows U.S. citizens to become
a notary public there;
- Be at least 18 years
old, and not disqualified from voter registration because of
conviction of a felony;
- Be a resident of West
Virginia, or a resident of another state who works at an office
address within West Virginia;
- Be able to read and
write English;
- Not have had a notary
commission revoked within the last ten years.
Applying for a New Notary Commission or
a Renewal
The application process is the same for a new commission and a
renewal. The following steps must be completed before
a person can lawfully begin to notarize documents:
step 1
Read the West Virginia Code which
governs notary practice.
On the application you will be signing an oath that you
have read and understand the requirements and will follow
the law. Click the icon to read the text of the law. |
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step 2
Click the PDF icon to
download the application form using Acrobat Reader.
If you have never used the reader or would like help with
step three, go to Acrobat Reader Help. |
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step 3
Fill out the form on-screen if you wish, then print it and complete
the remaining sections.
- You must obtain the signatures of three witnesses to your character and
sign your oath before another notary or officer authorized to
administer oaths.
- If you are renewing
and wish to keep the same month and day of expiration,
please be sure to include that on the application form.
- If you are applying as a government notary for the
official duties of a state or local governmental
entity, your supervisor must provide a letter
requesting your appointment. The fee is waived
for government notaries.
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step 4
Make your check for $52 payable to "Secretary of
State."
For other options for paying the fee, such as by credit card, click
the icon to the right. The fee is waived for government
notaries (see step 3). |
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step 5
Mail your application and payment to:
Notary Assistant,
Secretary of State
Bldg. 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East
Charleston, WV 25305-0770
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step 6
Wait to receive your commission letter and notary stamp card.
Your commission letter will provide the exact information you need on
your seal, including your new commission expiration date. Do not start notarizing until
you receive the official commission certificate. |
step 7
Order your rubber stamp seal. Provide the exact information given in
your commission letter to the company making your seal.
Look in your yellow pages for "Rubber Stamps" or "Office
Supplies" to find a company which makes official seals.
When you order, remind the vendor that the stamp must meet specifications.
Click the seal icon for more information. |
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step 8
Imprint stamp on card and return to Secretary of State.
The card is preprinted with our address. Be sure to add a stamp! |
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step 9
Receive your commission certificate, valid for ten years, and your notary handbook.
When you receive this certificate, you may begin notarizing
documents, but learn what to do before you begin.
Click on the certificate to see a larger version. |
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step 10
Review the notary handbook and keep
it handy where you provide your notary services.
Remember, improper notarization means financial
liability for the notary. Every notarization must
include the proper acknowledgement form. Learn what
to do before you begin.
Check out the online notary handbook using the Acrobat
Reader by clicking on the handbook
icon! |
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