(a) An individual qualified under subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Secretary of State for a commission as a notary public through the Secretary of State’s online notary system. The applicant shall comply with and provide the information required by rules promulgated by the Secretary of State and pay any application fee.

(b) An applicant for a commission as a notary public must:

(1) Be at least eighteen years of age;

(2) Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;

(3) Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this state;

(4) Be able to read and write English;

(5) Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

(6) Not be disqualified to receive a commission under § 39-4-23 of this code.

(c) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, an applicant shall provide a statement on the notary application that they solemnly swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the answers to all questions in this application are true, complete, and correct; that he or she has carefully read the notaries public law of West Virginia; and, if appointed and commissioned as a notary public, he or she will perform faithfully, to the best of his or her ability all notarial acts in accordance with the law.  

(d) On compliance with this section, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of five years.

(e) A commission to act as a notary public authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by law of this state on public officials or employees.