West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia notaries take their oath of office and file a bond with the county clerk in the county where they reside.
To verify a notary's signature:
1. Contact the county clerk in the county where the notary filed their oath and bond -- the clerk maintains the commission record and signature specimen.
2. Alternatively, contact the WV Secretary of State at (304) 558-8000 to confirm commission status.
Reference: WV Code 39-4-20

The WV SOS online notary search covers active commissions.
1. Search the WV SOS notary database -- some expired commission data may still appear in results.
2. If not found online, contact the WV Secretary of State at (304) 558-8000 for historical commission records.
3. You may also contact the county clerk in the notary's county of residence for oath and bond records.
Commission term: 5 years.

West Virginia requires every notary to use an official rubber stamp seal on notarized documents. An embossed seal is permitted but is NOT acceptable as a substitute for a rubber stamp.
Seal requirements (WV Code 39-4-17):
- Type: Rectangular rubber stamp, max 1 inch high x 2.5 inches wide, with a border
- Must include: "Official Seal", "Notary Public", "State of West Virginia", the notary's name, address, and commission expiration date
- Ink color is optional
- West Virginia notaries have statewide jurisdiction

West Virginia — Contacting the Notary for Verification

West Virginia does not require notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts. However, the West Virginia Secretary of State strongly recommends keeping a journal as a best practice for the notary's protection (W. Va. Code § 39-4-1 et seq.).

Journal recommendations (if maintained):
- Although not required by law, notaries who are concerned about liability may voluntarily keep a notary journal listing the date, person's name, and type of document notarized to help protect themselves.
- A notary may maintain a journal in tangible or electronic format. If an electronic journal is used, its attributes must comply with the Secretary of State's administrative rules.

Right to inspect:
- Because journals are not required by statute, there is no statutory right to inspect a notary's journal in West Virginia.
- If a notary voluntarily maintains a journal, access would typically require the notary's consent or a court order or subpoena compelling production.

Key considerations:
- Commission term: Five years.
- Journal retention and disposition: Because journals are not required, there are no statutory rules regarding journal retention or disposition upon commission expiry or death. If a journal is voluntarily maintained, the notary should store it securely.
- Secretary of State records: The Secretary of State may destroy original journals of notarial acts in his or her possession, provided that an electronic copy is maintained in accordance with the Department of Administration's retention rules. The Secretary of State may also destroy original records of appointment after expiration of a notary's term, provided an electronic copy is maintained for at least 10 years after expiration (W. Va. Code §§ 39-4-20, 39-4-21).
- Thumbprint: West Virginia does not require thumbprints in notary journals.
- Contact: West Virginia Secretary of State Notary Division — (304) 558-8000, Toll-free: (866) 767-8683, notary@wvsos.gov

Relevant statutes: W. Va. Code §§ 39-4-1 et seq., 39-4-20, 39-4-21

This information is provided for general reference only, does not constitute legal advice, and may not reflect current law. Laws and procedures change frequently. We make no warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. Consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before taking action.