How Do You Become An Online Notary In West Virginia?
On June 17, 2021, West Virginia Notaries are allowed to apply the ability to perform a Remote Online Notarization (RON). If you are interested in starting the process of becoming a remote Notary in West Virginia, then stick to the steps below:
- Maintain an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Agree with a RON software provider that aligns with the state’s prescribed requirements.
- Inform the Secretary of State about your intention to perform remote online notarizations and provide the Secretary of State’s office with the name of your chosen RON vendor.
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in West Virginia and approved with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your state’s local Online Notary laws!
How to Become a Traditional Notary in West Virginia (Get your Notary Commission)
Individuals aspiring to become a Notary in West Virginia are required to navigate through the following streamlined process:
- Ensure eligibility by meeting the state’s requirements.
- Review the Notary Public Law on the Secretary of State’s website.
- Complete the application form accurately and comprehensively.
- Government applicants must provide a letter from their supervisor if applicable.
- Apply along with the $52 commission fee to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Notary Division.
- Carefully review the commission letter and Notary seal information for accuracy upon receipt.
- Purchase an official Notary seal, a crucial tool for the role.
- Await the commission certificate and the Notary Handbook.
- Consider acquiring a journal for record-keeping (optional but recommended).
- Explore the option of securing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection (optional).
- Enhance knowledge and skills by taking a Notary training class or seeking guidance from experienced Notary experts (optional but recommended).
After you’ve done all the things and earned the right to commission, you can go on and execute notarial acts as a commissioned notary in West Virginia state.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in West Virginia?
In order to be recognized as a Notary Public in West Virginia, candidates must perform the stipulated procedures below:
- At least 18 years of age are people to participate.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally living in the United States on a permanent basis.
- Live in West Virginia or have a workplace or practice within the state.
- Possess the ability to read and write in English.
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Not be disqualified under §39-4-21, which prohibits offering unauthorized legal advice and false advertising.
- Have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
- Not have had a Notary commission suspended or revoked in another state.
For further details, consult the West Virginia Notary Handbook or the West Virginia SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in West Virginia?
Certainly, e-notarization has been acknowledged as legal and legitimate in West Virginia for the year 2021, by the link revealed on the legislative website of West VirginiaWest Virginia Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in West Virginia
One of the most basic conditions that the state sets for the remote notary category in West Virginia is that you meet certain requirements specified by the state, which is the most crucial condition.
- If an individual has an interest in being a Notary Public in West Virginia, the individual can achieve this by holding a traditional Notary Public commission, where he or she has to meet some requirements, for instance, be at least 18 years old, a US citizen or a green card holder, a resident of or having an office or practice in West Virginia, be able to read and write English, and have completed a secondary education program or its equivalent.
- Check that you have not committed a crime under the Notary Public Act §39-4-21, that you are not a felon or have never been convicted of a crime having to do with fraud, deceit, or dishonesty or of course, been dispossessed of your notary function in another state.
Are there any Training or exam Requirements for Online Notaries?
Training and the examination are not obligatory for a person who wants to step through the door and become a Remote Online Notary in West Virginia.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in West Virginia
If we talk about West Virginia, for notarial acts of witnessing, you will be required to obtain the required software and equipment. To be precise, the basic instruments are a computer, a webcam, a microphone, and a secure internet network. In addition, the RON (remote online notarization) technology provider for communication with remote signers must be selected. Fortunately, BlueNotary Urban is one of the registered companies. Besides, the next thing is to put together a digital signature by means of a digital certificate, an electronic seal, and an electronic journal, which can all be found at Blue Notary respectively.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
Not at all. A surety bond is not a necessity for remote notarizations by West Virginia Notaries.
E&O Insurance in West Virginia
A policy of Errors and Omissions insurance is not mandatory for a Notary in West Virginia state, but it would be a wiser choice. This insurance covers the clinical malpractice and pays all the fees if any faults were done unwillingly while performing notaries. This is also the way to be calm and not to fear future debts.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Mostly, the period of the year that attracts the most attention is the tax season, during which numerous forms, like tax returns, are to be marked and sealed before notarization. Nonetheless, other than the tax season, there is a constant need for authentication services from businesses and individuals because people need to notarize documents so they can be utilized whenever they are. At the same time, many companies are looking to make notarizations a regular part of their processes. Did everyone know that there are more than 1.25 billion notarizations happening each year?
One of the main things that you should never forget if you are an online notary is that you are the one who is to carry the main burden of compliance with the regulations dictated by the government, which also means that you have to properly notarize and witness the documents.Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in West Virginia?
You will have the opportunity to make even more money by doing loan signings that pay up to $150 per session (which is the industry standard), as well as other creative packages and sending invoices out of
BlueNotary once you have gained more experience and notarized more documents. The amount of money that you would be able to generate would indeed be a very good income.
You can decide the rates at which you can bill the clients through BlueNotary. This strategy provides you with very flexible earnings that will surely depend on your capability to build a network.
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In West Virginia?
Being a Notary Public in West Virginia online is a simple method to provide convenient and secure services to clients wherever you are. Online Notaries are a great help in getting on the spot appointments and quicker document completion services! Keep your customers as well as yourself satisfied with the time-saving option of working from home. Why are you hesitating?
How do I Start Notarizing Online in West Virginia?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other West Virginia notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary could be one of the easiest and most interesting ways to earn some additional money for your family and community. With the online notary option, you are the one who can choose the platform to look for clients.
BlueNotary is the top choice for very basic onboarding and an independent notary who wants to develop their business. We also can offer training videos and a simulation tool so that you will be able to practice signing activities.
Regisr and get started here: Sign Up.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for general purposes only, not legal advice. Laws governing these matters may change quickly. BlueNotary cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. For specific legal questions, consult a local licensed attorney.
Last updated: March 21, 2025