The Role of a Notary Public
In West Virginia, a notary public serves as an impartial witness who confirms identities, ensures people are signing willingly, and attaches a state-authorized seal to the completed certificate. Notaries reduce fraud—they do not create, read, or interpret your paperwork. Think of me as the final checkpoint before your document becomes official.
Understanding these boundaries helps your appointment go faster and keeps every notarization compliant with state law. If you need legal guidance, I’ll happily refer you to a West Virginia attorney, but I cannot provide that advice myself.
What I Can Do
- • Verify the identity of each signer using acceptable ID
- • Witness signatures and watch you sign the document
- • Administer oaths/affirmations and take acknowledgments
- • Complete and stamp the proper notarial certificate
- • Travel to your home, office, bank, or hospital within my service area
What I Cannot Do
- • Draft, fill in, or edit your documents
- • Provide legal advice, explain clauses, or choose which forms you need
- • Notarize documents without the signer present in front of me
- • Ignore incomplete sections, blank spaces, or missing witnesses
- • Continue if I suspect coercion, fraud, or lack of understanding
Arrive Ready
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Bring ID
Acceptable government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, WV state ID) that’s current and matches the name on the document.
Leave Blanks Alone
Fill out every field before I arrive, but do not sign anything until I’m watching. Blank spaces invite fraud and may stop the notarization.
Know Your Document
Be prepared to briefly describe what you are signing. If you have questions about its contents, consult an attorney before we meet.
Need witnesses?
Some documents (like real estate deeds) require non-related witnesses in addition to the notary. Please arrange any witnesses ahead of time or let me know during booking so we can plan accordingly.
Documents I Commonly Notarize
- Real estate deeds, affidavits, and powers of attorney
- Title transfers, loan packages, and mortgage modifications
- Medical directives, living wills, and consent forms
- Adoption paperwork, school authorizations, and travel consent letters
- Business contracts, vendor agreements, and compliance attestations
When I Must Refuse or Delay
- The signer lacks valid ID or the name does not match the document
- Someone else prepared the document for you and I suspect the practice of law without a license
- The document is blank, contains major errors, or lacks the notarial certificate
- The signer appears confused, intoxicated, or under pressure
- The request is for a document type prohibited by state or federal law
Quick Answers
Can you notarize something over video or email?
West Virginia allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) only when the notary has obtained special authorization and platform access. I currently provide in-person mobile notarization, so every signer must be physically present.
Do you provide legal forms?
No. I can point you to reputable resources, but I cannot supply or draft legal documents. Please consult an attorney or the requesting agency for the correct paperwork.
How much does it cost?
West Virginia caps notarial acts at $10 per signature. Mobile travel fees depend on distance, urgency, parking, or after-hours needs and will be quoted during booking.
Can you translate my document?
No. If the document or signer’s language is unfamiliar, a qualified interpreter must be present to ensure the signer understands what they’re signing.
Still have questions?
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