West Virginia Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective June 17, 2021 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2021
- Statute
- W. Va. Code § 39-4-37 (remote online); § 39-4-38 (remote ink)
- Bill Number
- SB 469 (2021 Acts, ch. 236)
West Virginia RON Law Overview
West Virginia authorized remote online notarization in 2021 by SB 469 (2021 Acts, ch. 236), codified at W. Va. Code § 39-4-37 (remote online); § 39-4-38 (remote ink), effective June 17, 2021. A West Virginia online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in West Virginia who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 5 years.
Key details for West Virginia
Enacted by SB 469 (2021 Acts, ch. 236). Signer location: Anywhere in the US; outside the US only if the notary is also commissioned as an Out-of-State Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 39-4A) and the record relates to a West Virginia matter, property or transaction. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
West Virginia RON Requirements
West Virginia requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 5 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 5 years
- Credential analysis
- Not required
- KBA required
- No
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
West Virginia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (W. Va. Code § 39-4-11).
Online Notary Availability in West Virginia
Notaron is available 24/7 across West Virginia. See location-specific guides for major West Virginia cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2021 under W. Va. Code § 39-4-37 (remote online); § 39-4-38 (remote ink). Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for West Virginia-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 5 years.
Does West Virginia accept out-of-state RON?
West Virginia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (W. Va. Code § 39-4-11).