West Virginia Notary Acknowledgment Overview
A notary acknowledgment in West Virginia is a certificate completed by a WV-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. West Virginia law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.
West Virginia notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. West Virginia notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all WV notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.
$5
Max fee per act
10 years
Commission term
Yes
RON allowed
Recommended
Journal
West Virginia Acknowledgment Wording
West Virginia law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with West Virginia county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.
West Virginia Specific Note
The acknowledgment wording below reflects West Virginia's statutory requirements. While substantially similar certificates may be accepted, using the exact statutory language ensures your document will not be rejected for recording. Always verify current requirements with your county recorder's office before filing.
Individual Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of said County and State, do hereby certify that _______________, whose name is signed to the foregoing writing bearing date of the _____ day of _______________, 20_____, has this day in my said county, before me, acknowledged the same.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of said County and State, do hereby certify that _______________, the _______________ [title] of _______________ [entity], whose name is signed to the foregoing writing, has this day in my said county, before me, acknowledged the same on behalf of said entity.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
Multiple Signers Acknowledgment
County of _______________
I, _______________, a Notary Public of said County and State, do hereby certify that _______________ and _______________, whose names are signed to the foregoing writing, have this day in my said county, before me, each acknowledged the same.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _______________, 20_____.
___________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: _______________
West Virginia Notary Requirements
West Virginia has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.
- Commission Term: West Virginia notary commissions are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance
- Bond: A $5,000 surety bond is required for West Virginia notaries
- Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in West Virginia
- Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is recommended but not legally required in West Virginia
- Seal/Stamp: West Virginia notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
- Max Fee: $5 per notarial act for in-person notarizations
Remote Online Notarization in West Virginia
West Virginia does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.
RON notaries in West Virginia must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by WV law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.
West Virginia Notary Fees
West Virginia regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in West Virginia.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Jurat (per signature) | Up to $5 |
| Oath / Affirmation | Up to $5 |
| Mobile Notary Travel Fee | Varies (not regulated in most cases) |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 (typical, may vary by platform) |
West Virginia Identification Requirements
West Virginia notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in West Virginia.
Sample West Virginia Acknowledgment Certificate
Below is a preview of our West Virginia-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact WV statutory wording and all required notarial elements.
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
Individual Acknowledgment
VENUE:
State of West Virginia
County of [County]
SIGNER INFORMATION:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
ID Type: [ID Presented]
Date: [Date of Notarization]
NOTARY CERTIFICATION:
Notary Name: [Printed Name]
Commission #: [Number]
Commission Expires: [Date]
Signature:
[NOTARY SEAL / STAMP]
West Virginia Notary Acknowledgment FAQ
Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in West Virginia, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.
Official West Virginia Resources
Use these official resources to verify West Virginia notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.
Related West Virginia Documents
Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in West Virginia, or that require WV notarization.
West Virginia Jurat / Verification
Notarial certificate for sworn statements and affidavits
West Virginia Affidavit
Sworn statement requiring notarized jurat
West Virginia Power of Attorney
Legal authorization requiring notarized acknowledgment
West Virginia Quitclaim Deed
Property transfer deed requiring notarized acknowledgment
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