How to Become a West Virginia Notary in 2026
West Virginia eliminated its bond requirement in 2018 via HB 4207 and moved to online applications. No training or exam required. 5-year commission. NNA Basic at $85 is among the most affordable in this batch.
Bond Required
None (HB 4207 2018)
Training Required
None
Commission Term
5 years
Application
Online (sos.wv.gov)
Two Paths: Commission Only vs. Notary Signing Agent
Path 1: West Virginia Notary Commission
- Apply online at sos.wv.gov
- No bond required (HB 4207, 2018)
- No training or exam required
- Purchase notary seal + journal
- 5-year commission term
Path 2: Notary Signing Agent — Where the Money Is
Facilitate real estate loan closings at $75–$150 per appointment in WV's Eastern Panhandle.
- WV notary commission (required first)
- NSA training (LSS $347 or Notary Coach)
- NNA background check
- E&O insurance ($100,000)
- Sign up on Snapdocs, Notary Rotary, 123Notary
Best West Virginia Notary Training Programs
All 3 schools are West Virginia West Virginia Secretary of State-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Notary Coach — Sign & Thrive (Bill Soroka)
Best Subscription ModelStarting at
$49
- Created by Bill Soroka
- Community-based learning on Skool
- Phase-based coaching
- Cancel anytime
Available Packages (1)
Monthly Subscription — $49/mo
- Sign & Thrive NSA training course
- Skool community access
- Phase-based coaching
- Cancel anytime
NNA (National Notary Association)
Complete Commission PackageStarting at
$85
- Complete supply packages for West Virginia Notary Public Commission
- Bond eliminated 2018 via HB 4207 — no bond required
- 5-year E&O insurance included in Complete package
- NSA Certification includes industry-standard background check
- West Virginia was an early state to eliminate the bond requirement
Available Packages (3)
Basic — $85
- Notary seal stamp
- West Virginia notary journal
- West Virginia Notary Primer handbook
Loan Signing System (LSS) — Mark Wills
Best NSA Training CourseStarting at
$347
- #1 rated NSA training course in the US
- Created by Mark Wills
- LSS Certification recognized by title companies
- 4 months LIVE 1:1 mentorship
- 100% money-back guarantee
Available Packages (1)
Six Figure Course — $347
- 24/7 Online Video NSA Training + LSS Certification
- Proven 9-Step Notary Business Blueprint
- 4 Months LIVE 1:1 Mentorship
- List of 300+ companies that hire notary signing agents
- Payment plan: 4 x $97/month
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How to Become a West Virginia Notary — Step by Step
Apply online through WV Secretary of State (sos.wv.gov)
West Virginia moved to online applications when HB 4207 eliminated the bond requirement in 2018. Apply at sos.wv.gov. No bond, training, or exam required.
Pay the application fee and receive your 5-year commission
Verify current fee at sos.wv.gov. Commission lasts 5 years.
Purchase notary seal and journal
NNA Basic ($85) provides the seal and journal — no bond needed since HB 4207 (2018). NNA Standard ($105) adds 5-year hotline. NNA Complete ($240) adds 5-year E&O matching the commission term.
Add NSA training for loan signing income (recommended)
For $75–$150/appointment, complete NSA training through Loan Signing System ($347) or Notary Coach. Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Charles Town) is WV's strongest NSA market — driven by DC-area remote workers and buyers priced out of Virginia/Maryland.
Consider NNA Complete for 5-year E&O coverage
NNA Complete ($240) includes 5-year E&O insurance that matches your commission term — ideal for active NSAs who want to align all renewal dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia Notary
How do I become a notary in West Virginia?
West Virginia eliminated its bond requirement in 2018 via HB 4207 and moved to online applications. No training or exam is required. Apply online through the WV Secretary of State. The commission term is 5 years.
What happened to West Virginia's bond requirement?
West Virginia eliminated its $1,000 surety bond requirement in 2018 via House Bill 4207. At the same time, WV moved from paper to online applications. WV was one of the earlier states to eliminate the bond requirement, preceding several other states that followed suit.
Does West Virginia require notary training?
No. West Virginia does not require any training or exam before commissioning.
How long is a West Virginia notary commission?
A West Virginia notary commission lasts 5 years.
How much does it cost to become a West Virginia notary?
NNA Basic ($85) includes the seal and journal — no bond needed. NNA Standard ($105) adds 5-year hotline. NNA Complete ($240) adds 5-year E&O insurance matching the commission term. Total startup is approximately $85–$300.
Can I become a Notary Signing Agent in West Virginia?
Yes. After commissioning, complete NSA training through Loan Signing System ($347) or Notary Coach to facilitate real estate loan closings earning $75–$150 per appointment. The Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Charles Town) is WV's strongest NSA market — driven by DC-area remote workers.
What are the best markets for West Virginia NSAs?
The Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg, Charles Town) is the strongest WV market — driven by DC/VA/MD remote workers buying in WV due to lower home prices, with median prices near $310,000 and premium buyer expectations. Charleston (state capital) has the highest transaction volume overall. Morgantown (WVU) and Huntington are active secondary markets.
How does WV's online notary application work?
West Virginia moved to online applications when HB 4207 eliminated the bond in 2018. Apply at the WV Secretary of State's online portal. The process is straightforward — no notarized documents or paper forms required. Verify current requirements and fees at sos.wv.gov.
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Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.