The Steps to Becoming a West Virginia State Notary Public
Becoming a notary public means taking on serious responsibilities and authorized duties. In West Virginia, you actually receive the appointment from the governor of the state, though it is the Secretary of State who regulates notaries and maintains all records relating to their commissions.
To begin the process of becoming a notary in West Virginia you need to start by visiting the Secretary of State's website. There you can begin to learn about the different requirements and West Virginia notary supplies you will need to do such an important job.
As we discuss everything you will need to become a notary in West Virginia, the first step of many to consider must be meeting the initial qualifications to be commissioned. The state has a somewhat lengthy list of criteria you must meet even to apply. If you do manage to meet these qualifications, you can then put together an application.
The Supplies You Will Need to Become a West Virginia Notary
Even once you meet the qualifications, you won't just be able to apply right away. First, you will need one particular purchase before you can move forward in the approval process. Before they can approve your commission, a notary or surety bond in the amount of $1k is required. This is certification that you have coverage (or an equivalent form of professional liability coverage) and you must count it among the West Virginia notary supplies you will need the entire time you wish to perform this service in the state.
When you have your notary bond and have submitted an application with all of the necessary fees, you will then be granted your commission. The Governor appoints notaries to five year terms of office, and you can renew as often as you like - but you will have to update your West Virginia notary supplies to reflect your new information for each new term you accept.
When you do accept a new commission term, you'll find one item in particular that you will need to update - your notary seal.
The Design Requirements of Your Official West Virginia State Seal Stamp
This is something that you cannot legally obtain until you hold a Notary Certificate (a document that is sent to you when you receive a commission). The seal is what you must use to mark anything you notarize, and it must meet the state's specific design criteria. These include:- It must be an ink stamp
- It must be rectangular in shape and sized no larger than 1" x 2.5"
- It must have a visible border that is either milled or serrated in design
- The state seal is to be positioned on the left side
- The text block with essential information is opposite the seal
- The text block must contain the following phrases in the following order (top to bottom): "Official Seal", "Notary Public", "State of West Virginia", the name of the notary as commissioned, the address of the notary, the expiration date of the current commission
This is the most important of all West Virginia notary supplies and should be purchased from a manufacturer familiar with the process of creating such seals and stamps. There are no mandated West Virginia notary supplies other than the seal, but the work of a notary is very serious and worthy of formal documentation. Though the state does not require notaries to keep journals among their West Virginia notary supplies, many long-time notaries do keep track of their work.
The Responsibility of the West Virginia Notary
The authorized duties of notaries include:
- Noting protests
- Taking acknowledgements
- Certifying copies
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Witnessing signatures
- Verifications on oath
These are all such serious matters, and it is best if your West Virginia notary supplies include a journal or record book. While the surety bond is part of the list of essential West Virginia notary supplies and offers liability protection, having a thorough record of all notarial acts is very helpful too. And make sure to look for the best vendors of West Virginia notary supplies before you begin serving in this capacity. You will need new stamps every five years (when your terms expire) and so you will want to find a trustworthy manufacturer to help you do the best job possible, and building a relationship with them right from the beginning can help you in the long run!
Frequently Asked Questions
What West Virginia notary supplies are required to become a notary public?
To become a West Virginia notary public, the required supply is a $1,000 notary bond or surety bond. After commissioning, you must also have an official West Virginia notary seal that meets state requirements.
What are the West Virginia notary seal requirements?
Your West Virginia notary seal must be an ink stamp, rectangular in shape, no larger than 1" x 2.5", and have a visible milled or serrated border. It must include the state seal on the left and the required text block on the right with your commissioned name, address, and expiration date.
Does West Virginia require a notary journal?
West Virginia does not require a notary journal by law, but many notaries still choose to keep one. A journal is a smart optional supply because it helps track notarizations and can provide extra protection if questions ever arise about a notarized act.
When do I need to replace my West Virginia notary seal?
You need to replace your West Virginia notary seal when you receive a new commission term, since the seal must reflect your current commission information. Many notaries also replace the seal if their name, address, or expiration date changes.
Where can I buy approved West Virginia notary supplies?
You can buy approved West Virginia notary supplies from reputable vendors that specialize in notary equipment. It is best to choose a manufacturer familiar with West Virginia seal requirements so your stamp is made correctly and remains compliant.
What notarial acts can a West Virginia notary perform?
A West Virginia notary can perform acknowledgments, administer oaths and affirmations, witness signatures, certify copies, take verifications on oath, and note protests. Keeping the proper notary supplies, including your official seal and a journal, helps you complete these duties accurately and professionally.
