What Duties Does a West Virginia Notary Public Perform?
As of 2014, the state of West Virginia has more than 40,000 people commissioned as notaries. Clearly, this is an important role that is in high demand. Notaries will be able to work for financial firms, everyday citizens, legal offices, and businesses of all kinds. This is because they perform a wide array of duties as authorized by their commissions from the state. The powers of notaries include:
Certifying "true copies" of documents
- Administering oaths
- Administering affirmations
- Taking acknowledgements (i.e. verifying signatures)
The notary will always have to sign a document and mark it with proper notary acknowledgment or wording. Additionally, they must each purchase a custom West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal and use that to validate their signature.
What Steps Do I Have to Take to Become a West Virginia Notary?
To become a notary is not at all difficult, but you must meet the eligibility criteria and perform the application process. The first step is to fill out the application, take the appropriate oath of office, obtain a surety bond and submit the appropriate documentation that this has occurred, and submit all necessary fees. When you have done all of these things (this process is outlined at the Secretary of State website), you will then receive a commission.
It is only when you have your commission that you will be able to have a West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal.
What Will My West Virginia State Seal Look Like?
Unlike many states, though, your commission letter provides you with the specific information that you need to include with your order for your West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal.The state requires you to include information on your seal, and this is what appears on your commission certificate. You need to work with a firm that can meet these demands, and your West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal will have to be made to meet the following criteria:
- Must be a rubber stamp
- Must be a rectangle at a maximum size of 1"x2.5"
- Should feature the state seal of West Virginia on the left side, but this is optional
- On the right side of your West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal will be the following text (in this order and descending): "Official Seal", "State of West Virginia", "Notary Public", the name of the notary (as commissioned), the address of the notary, the commission's current expiration date (five years from when it was granted)
The West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal can be plain or self-inking, and while an embosser is allowed in addition to an ink stamp, it cannot be used on its own. The West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal is to be used near the signature of the notary, and the date must always be correct.
What Else Should I Keep in Mind About Becoming a West Virginia Notary?
Changes in the laws in 2014 curtailed terms from ten to five years, and so it is important to keep this in mind when ordering your West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal. It is your responsibility to ensure that everything is accurate on the seal. It is your mark of authenticity as well as professionalism and it should not be used carelessly.
When you retire from service as a notary, or if you do not renew your commission, it is your duty to destroy the seal to prevent fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the West Virginia Notary Public stamp and seal requirements?
A West Virginia notary public stamp must be a rubber stamp in a rectangular format, with a maximum size of 1" x 2.5". It should include "Official Seal," "State of West Virginia," "Notary Public," your commissioned name, your address, and your commission expiration date. The state seal may appear on the left side, but that part is optional.
Is a notary embosser allowed in West Virginia?
Yes, a notary embosser is allowed in West Virginia, but it cannot be used by itself. If you use an embosser, it must be in addition to an ink stamp. For valid notarizations, the required ink stamp and proper wording still matter most.
When can I order my West Virginia notary stamp and seal?
You should wait until you have received your official notary commission before ordering your West Virginia notary stamp and seal. Your commission certificate includes the exact information needed for the stamp, and ordering too early could result in errors or a stamp that does not meet state requirements.
What information must appear on a West Virginia notary stamp?
A West Virginia notary stamp should include your commissioned name, your address, and your commission expiration date, along with the required wording: "Official Seal," "State of West Virginia," and "Notary Public." The stamp must match the information on your commission to help ensure every notarization is valid.
How long is a West Virginia notary commission valid?
West Virginia notary commissions are valid for five years. Since the expiration date must appear on your stamp and seal, it is important to make sure your stamp reflects the correct current commission term. If you renew your commission, you will need to update your stamp information.
What should I do with my West Virginia notary seal when I resign or do not renew?
If you retire, resign, or choose not to renew your West Virginia notary commission, you should destroy your notary seal to help prevent fraud. This protects the public and keeps your old seal from being misused after your commission ends.
