West Virginia Code Chapter 39. Records and Papers § 39-4-36. Secretary of State record retention

(a) The provisions of subsection (c), section three, article two, chapter five of this code notwithstanding, the Secretary of State may destroy original records of appointment under this article after expiration of the term of a notary public: Provided, That the Secretary of State maintains an electronic copy of the appointment for a minimum of ten years after the expiration of the term of the notary public.

(b) The Secretary of State may destroy any original journals of notarial acts in his or her possession: Provided, That an electronic copy is maintained in accordance with the retention rules of the Department of Administration.