How to Become an Online Notary in West Virginia
Why Should You Think about Becoming An Online Notary In West Virginia?
Becoming an Online Notary in West Virginia is a simple way to offer convenient and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How Do You Become An Online Notary In West Virginia?
As of June 17, 2021, West Virginia Notaries have the opportunity to apply for authorization to conduct remote online notarizations (RONs). To embark on the path of becoming a remote Notary in West Virginia, adhere to the following steps:
- Maintain an active commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Enter into an agreement 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.
- Submit the application 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).
Once you have completed all these steps and obtained your commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in West Virginia.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in West Virginia?
To qualify as a Notary Public in West Virginia, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency.
- Reside in West Virginia or maintain a place of employment 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?
Indeed, online notarizations have been legally recognized and valid in West Virginia since 2021, courtesy of Senate Bill Number 469.
West Virginia Online Notary FAQ’s
Requirements for Becoming a Remote Notary in West Virginia
To qualify as a Remote Notary in West Virginia, you must first meet specific requirements outlined by the state:
- Hold a traditional Notary Public commission in West Virginia, which necessitates being at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, a resident of or having a place of employment or practice within West Virginia, proficiency in reading and writing English, and possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Ensure you are not disqualified from a commission under §39-4-21, and have not been convicted of any felony or a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, or had a Notary commission suspended or revoked in another state.
Is there any Training or exam Requirements for Online Notaries?
West Virginia does not mandate training or an exam for individuals seeking to become Remote Online Notaries (RONs) in the state.
Tools and Technology for Online Notarizations in West Virginia
In West Virginia, you will need essential tools and technology to perform Remote Online Notarizations, including a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. You must also select a RON technology provider for online communication with signers. Luckily, BlueNotary is an approved vendor for West Virginia. Additionally, you will require a digital certificate with your electronic signature, an electronic seal, and an electronic journal, all of which are provided by Blue Notary.
Is an Additional Surety Bond Required?
No, West Virginia Notaries are not obligated to obtain a surety bond for remote notarizations.
E&O Insurance in West Virginia
While an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not mandatory for West Virginia Notaries, it is advisable to consider. E&O insurance provides protection and covers costs in the event of unintentional errors during notarizations, ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding against potential liabilities.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally, the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own 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?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
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 can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for an independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.