Commissioner for West Virginia Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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To give an oath, the person must sign in the presence of the commissioner. For other documents, the person must sign the document or acknowledge their signature in person. This also applies to performing e-notarization (electronic notarial) acts.

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Yes. Never acknowledge a blank document.

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Yes. Never notarize the signature of someone you don't know without requiring proper identification.

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Yes. An acknowledgement without the seal is improper.

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No, unless you are completing an acknowledgement or oath form which is already a part of the form. An acknowledgement without the form is improper, and it must always include the date of acknowledgement.

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If you are a named party to the transaction or may receive direct benefit, such as cash, property or title from the transaction, you have a disqualifying interest and must refrain from acknowledging any such documents.

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Employees may acknowledge for an employer, providing the transaction does not stand to benefit the commissioner in excess of their normal salary and benefits.

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If the application is correct and complete, allow approximately two (2) to three (3) weeks for processing.

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Your appointment as commissioner is not effective until you receive your commission certificate and have had your commissioner stamp made.

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No. Effective June 3, 2018, a surety bond or its equivalent in professional insurance is no longer required to be maintained during a notary's commission. The commissioner law makes no provision for a surety bond or its equivalent in professional insurance.

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Yes. The application form will be sent to the address on record with the Secretary of State. However, if you do not receive the form, it is your responsibility to get the form and submit the completed application if you want to renew your appointment as commissioner.

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You are the person who holds the commissioner appointment, not the employer, and the employer may not have the commissioner appointment canceled. However, it is your duty to file a change of address and get a new seal immediately if your employer's address is on your seal. If you are a government notary, your commission expires when you terminate employment with (or are terminated by) the agency.

Contact the Notary Division for further assistance regarding Commissioners for West Virginia.​


If we may be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us:  304.558.8000   toll free 866.767.8683  email:   Notary@wvsos.gov