West Virginia is one of the simplest and cheapest states to become a notary. As of 2018 (HB 4207), there's no bond requirement. No exam, no course — just a $52 fee and reading the state notary law. West Virginia adopted RULONA.
Under West Virginia Code §39-4 (Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts), the requirements are:
West Virginia has one of the lowest total notary costs in the country — typically under $95. There's no bond, no exam, and no course fee.
| Item | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State filing fee | Required | $52 |
| Notary stamp/seal | Required | $15–$35 |
| Notary journal | Optional but recommended | $10–$25 |
| Surety bond | Not required (eliminated 2018) | $0 |
| Education course | Not required | $0 |
| Written exam | Not required | $0 |
| E&O insurance (recommended) | Optional | $25–$50/yr |
| Total to get commissioned | $67–$112 |
West Virginia eliminated its $1,000 bond requirement in 2018 via HB 4207. Some outdated notary supply sites still list a bond requirement — that's incorrect. As of 2026, no bond is required. State and local government notaries can get the $52 filing fee waived with a letter of request from their supervisor.
West Virginia's process is fully online and fast — often complete within 1-2 weeks.
West Virginia doesn't require a course or exam, but you must read the state's notary law. You'll sign an oath verifying you've read and understand it.
Apply online through the West Virginia Secretary of State's Enterprise Registration & Licensing System (ERLS). Fill out all sections with your personal info.
Submit payment online. Government notaries can request a fee waiver with a supervisor letter.
The SOS Notary Division emails your commission certificate and commission letter, typically within 1-2 weeks.
Order a West Virginia notary stamp from a supplier, providing them a copy of your commission letter. The stamp must contain the required elements.
Review the West Virginia Notary Handbook for procedural guidance. Once you have your commission and stamp, you're ready to notarize.
West Virginia notaries can perform these acts statewide under WV Code §39-4 (RULONA):
West Virginia allows notary-set fees — no statutory hard caps:
Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown are the main markets. West Virginia's smaller population and rural geography mean mobile notary services are particularly valuable — many residents in rural counties have limited access to notaries, creating opportunity for mobile notaries willing to cover wider areas.
West Virginia authorized RON as part of its RULONA adoption. To perform RON in WV:
Your West Virginia commission is valid for 5 years. Renewal is a simple online process.
Submit a new online recommission application via the Enterprise Registration & Licensing System (ERLS) before your commission expires, and pay the $52 fee. No exam, no course, no bond — just the application and fee. Simple.
Correct — as of 2018. HB 4207 eliminated the previous $1,000 bond requirement. Some outdated notary supply websites still list a WV bond requirement, but that's wrong. As of 2026, West Virginia notaries do not need a surety bond. E&O insurance is still recommended for personal protection.
Correct. West Virginia doesn't require a notary exam or training course. You must read the state notary law (WV Code §39-4) and sign an oath verifying you've done so, but there's no test. WV adopted RULONA, which streamlined the process.
Yes. Your commission is statewide once issued.
Yes. State and local government notaries can have the $52 filing fee waived by submitting a letter of request from their supervisor explaining that the commission is for government duties.
Yes. West Virginia allows non-residents who have a place of employment or practice in West Virginia. You must provide a West Virginia address. Your commission would still be subject to WV jurisdiction.
West Virginia's RULONA adoption set the term at 5 years (WV Code §39-4-20). This is slightly longer than the typical 4-year standard — a small advantage, meaning slightly less frequent renewals.
West Virginia's low cost ($65-95), fast processing, and no-bond/no-exam structure make it one of the easiest states to enter. Rural geography means mobile notary services are especially valuable. We're recruiting founding-cohort West Virginia notaries now — 10 spots, $10 platform fee for life.
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