West Virginia officially authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON) on June 17, 2021 — making it one of the more straightforward states to get started as an online notary. If you already hold a traditional notary commission in West Virginia, the path to performing remote online notarizations is short, practical, and doesn’t require an exam.
This guide walks you through every step: getting your notary commission, meeting RON requirements, picking the right platform, and earning money as a West Virginia online notary.
Step 1 – Get Your Traditional West Virginia Notary Commission
Before you can perform any remote online notarizations, you need an active traditional notary public commission. Here’s exactly how to get one:
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements (listed below)
- Review the Notary Public Law on the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website
- Complete the notary public application form accurately
- If you’re a government employee, include a supervisor authorization letter
- Submit your application along with the $52 commission fee to the WV Secretary of State’s Notary Division
- Review your commission letter and seal information when it arrives
- Purchase an official notary seal
- Receive your commission certificate and the West Virginia Notary Handbook
- Optionally, maintain a notary journal for record-keeping (recommended for RON use)
- Consider Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection
Eligibility requirements to become a notary in West Virginia:
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- West Virginia resident, or have a place of business or practice in the state
- Able to read and write English
- Holds a high school diploma or equivalent
- No felony convictions, and no convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit
- No prior notary commission suspension or revocation in any state
- Not disqualified under WV §39-4-21
Step 2 – Register as a Remote Online Notary in West Virginia
Once your traditional commission is active, transitioning to RON takes just three steps:
- Select a RON software provider that complies with West Virginia’s technical standards
- Notify the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office in writing of your intent to perform remote online notarizations
- Provide the Secretary of State with the name of your chosen RON vendor
That’s it. No exam, no additional fee, no waiting period. Once approved, you can begin conducting remote sessions immediately.
If you’re evaluating which RON platform fits your workflow, BlueNotary is a state-registered provider that meets all of West Virginia’s technical requirements and offers free onboarding training.
Is RON Legal in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia enacted remote online notarization legislation effective June 17, 2021. The law is codified in West Virginia Code and applies to all commissioned notaries who register with a compliant RON provider.
There are no additional surety bond requirements for performing RON in West Virginia, and E&O insurance — while not mandatory — is strongly recommended given the liability involved in remote sessions.
West Virginia RON Requirements vs. Traditional Notary: Quick Comparison
| Requirement | Traditional Notary | Remote Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Commission fee | $52 | No additional fee |
| Exam required | No | No |
| Training required | No (optional) | No (optional) |
| Surety bond | Not required | Not required |
| E&O insurance | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Physical presence | Yes | No — video session |
| Journal required | Optional | Recommended |
| RON platform | N/A | Required (state-approved) |
Technology You’ll Need for Online Notarizations
To perform RON sessions in West Virginia, you’ll need a basic equipment setup:
- A reliable computer or laptop
- A working webcam and microphone
- Stable broadband internet connection
- A state-compliant RON software platform (like BlueNotary)
- An electronic notary seal, digital certificate, and electronic journal
Most platforms – including BlueNotary’s RON tools — provide the digital seal and journal as part of the service. You don’t need to source these separately.
West Virginia doesn’t require a specific webcam resolution or security certification beyond what the RON platform itself provides, which keeps the barrier to entry low.
How Much Can a West Virginia Online Notary Earn?
Earnings vary depending on your volume and whether you take on loan signing work. Here’s a realistic picture:
- Standard notarizations: West Virginia law sets a per-signature fee cap. Most notaries charge between $5–$25 per notarization for general documents.
- Loan signings: These are the highest-paying RON sessions — typically $75–$150 per signing appointment.
- Regular business clients: Companies that need recurring notarizations often pay on retainer or per-session rates.
The more documents you notarize, the more you earn. Platforms like BlueNotary let you set your own rates and send invoices directly — you’re not locked into a fixed fee schedule.
Most part-time West Virginia online notaries earn an additional $500–$1,500/month. Full-time notary loan signing agents can earn significantly more.
For a full breakdown of what to charge, see this guide on how much mobile notary services cost and how to price your RON sessions competitively.
Choosing the Right RON Platform in West Virginia
Not all RON platforms are built the same. When evaluating your options, consider these factors:
- Compliance: Does the platform meet West Virginia’s RON technology requirements? Confirm it uses identity proofing (knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis) and audio-video recording.
- Ease of use: How quickly can you onboard clients? A clunky interface means abandoned sessions.
- Support: Does the provider offer training resources? BlueNotary includes free training videos and a simulation environment so you can practice before going live.
- Fees: Some platforms charge per-session fees; others charge monthly subscriptions. Calculate which model fits your expected volume.
Understanding what remote online notarization involves before selecting a platform saves time and prevents compliance headaches.
What Documents Do West Virginia Online Notaries Handle Most?
Online notaries in West Virginia handle a wide range of document types. The most frequently notarized include:
- Real estate deeds and mortgage closings
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Business agreements and contracts
- Estate planning documents
- USPS Form 1583 and similar identity-related forms
Tax season typically generates the highest demand — but notarization requests remain steady year-round, particularly for real estate and legal documents. To understand which documents pass across a notary’s desk most often, the most commonly notarized documents guide is a useful reference.
How to Start Notarizing Online in West Virginia Today
Here’s a condensed action checklist to get started:
- Confirm you meet WV notary eligibility requirements
- Submit your $52 application to the Secretary of State
- Receive your commission and purchase your notary seal
- Select a compliant RON provider (e.g., BlueNotary)
- Notify the Secretary of State of your RON intent + vendor name
- Set up your electronic seal, journal, and digital certificate
- Complete practice sessions to get comfortable with the platform
- Start accepting remote sessions and set your rates
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to notarize documents for clients across the country, not just in West Virginia. West Virginia RON law doesn’t restrict you to in-state signers.
Quick Reference: West Virginia Online Notary Facts
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| RON authorized since | June 17, 2021 |
| Commission fee | $52 |
| Additional RON fee | None |
| Exam required | No |
| Training required | No (optional) |
| Surety bond | Not required |
| E&O insurance | Optional but recommended |
| Platform requirement | State-compliant RON provider |
| Signer location restriction | None — nationwide signers allowed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pass an exam to become an online notary in West Virginia? No exam is required to become a remote online notary in West Virginia. Once you hold an active traditional notary commission, you simply notify the Secretary of State, register with a RON platform, and you’re authorized to begin. Training is optional but recommended, especially for new notaries.
Q: How long does it take to get a notary commission in West Virginia? Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their commission within 2–4 weeks of submitting their $52 application to the Secretary of State’s Notary Division. Once your commission is active, RON registration with a platform can be completed in a matter of days.
Q: Can I notarize documents for people outside of West Virginia? Yes. As a West Virginia remote online notary, you can conduct RON sessions for signers located anywhere in the United States — and in many cases, internationally. Your commission is issued by West Virginia, but your client’s physical location doesn’t matter for RON.
Q: What RON platform should I use in West Virginia? West Virginia requires that you use a RON platform that complies with state technical standards, including identity verification and session recording. BlueNotary is a registered compliant provider and includes free training tools. Compare platforms based on fees, ease of use, and support resources before committing.
Q: Is a surety bond required for West Virginia remote online notaries? No. West Virginia does not require notaries to hold a surety bond for performing remote online notarizations. E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance is also optional, though it’s strongly recommended to protect you from unintentional errors during sessions.
Q: How much can I charge per notarization in West Virginia? West Virginia law sets limits on per-signature fees for standard notarial acts. For RON sessions, platform providers like BlueNotary allow you to set your own pricing. Loan signings – the highest-value RON work – typically pay $75–$150 per appointment.
