How to Become a Notary Public in Washington State
Washington State does not require an exam or training course to become a notary public. However, the state strongly recommends that applicants familiarize themselves with notary laws and best practices. Applications are processed through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Washington Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Residency | Washington resident OR place of employment in WA |
| Exam Required | No |
| Education Required | No (strongly recommended) |
| Surety Bond | $10,000 |
| Commission Term | 4 years |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Journal Required | Yes |
Why Become a Washington Notary?
- No exam required - Straightforward application process
- No training required - Though strongly recommended
- Statewide commission - Serve clients across all 39 Washington counties
- Growing demand - Real estate, legal, and business needs
- Income potential - Charge up to $15 for traditional acts, $25 for RON
- Remote notarization - Washington allows Remote Online Notarization (since 2020)
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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Washington Notary
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To become a Washington State notary public, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a United States citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a resident of Washington OR have a place of employment or practice in Washington
- Be able to read and write English
- Have no disqualifying criminal history (no felony or gross misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within the past 5 years - evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond
You must obtain a $10,000 surety bond before submitting your application.
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Bond Term: Up to 4 years (matches commission term)
- Typical Cost: $35-$55 for a 4-year term
- Provider: Must be from a surety company licensed in Washington
Important: Your commission expiration date is based on your bond expiration date. If you purchase a 2-year bond, your commission will only be valid for 2 years.
Step 3: Apply Through Department of Licensing
Apply online through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL):
- Create an account on the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal
- Complete the Notary Public License Application
- Submit proof of your $10,000 surety bond
- Pay the $40 application fee
Optional: Add electronic notary endorsement for an additional $15 fee.
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
Once approved:
- You will receive your notary commission via the DOL portal
- Print a copy for your records
- Your commission is valid for 4 years (or until your bond expires)
- Optional: Pay $5 for DOL to mail a printed copy
Note: Unlike some states, Washington does NOT require you to take an oath of office.
Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies
After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:
Official Notary Stamp (Required):
Washington has specific stamp requirements under RCW 42.45.150 and WAC 308-30-070:
Size Requirements:
- Circular: Minimum 1-5/8 inches diameter
- Rectangular: Minimum 1 inch wide by 1-5/8 inches long
- Font size: Minimum 8-point type
Required Information:
- Notary's name as on commission
- "Notary Public"
- "State of Washington"
- Commission expiration date
Cost: $25-$50
Important: You need a new stamp every time you renew because the expiration date must be current.
Notary Journal (Required):
Washington requires a journal for both paper and electronic notarial acts:
- Must be a permanent, bound register with numbered pages
- Only one tangible journal at a time (for both paper and electronic acts)
- Must be kept for 10 years after your last entry
- Cost: $15-$40
Washington Notary Fees (Effective June 22, 2024)
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Witnessing/attesting signature | $15 |
| Taking acknowledgment | $15 |
| Verification on oath/affirmation | $15 |
| Certifying a copy | $15 |
| Administering oath/affirmation | $15 |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | $25 |
| Travel fees | Negotiable (must agree in advance) |
| Copying costs | Actual cost |
Important Notes:
- Fees were updated effective June 22, 2024
- Maximum fees are set by WAC 308-30-220
- Travel fees must be disclosed as separate from notarial fees and agreed upon in advance
- Cannot charge for services not performed or incomplete acts
- Must display fee schedule conspicuously
Washington-Specific Requirements
Journal Requirements
Washington is one of the stricter states for journal requirements:
Required for ALL notarial acts (paper and electronic):
- Date and time of notarial act
- Type of notarial act
- Description of the document
- Name and address of each person for whom the act was performed
- Method of identification
- Fee charged
- Signature of person whose signature is notarized
Retention: Must keep journal for 10 years after last entry.
Stamp Requirements
Under RCW 42.45.150 and WAC 308-30-070:
- Must be photographically reproducible
- Must include current expiration date
- Must be inked (not embossed only)
- Must meet size requirements
Prohibited Acts
Washington notaries may NOT:
- Charge for protesting negotiable instruments
- Charge for services not performed
- Notarize their own signature
- Notarize when they have a financial interest
- Use an expired or incorrect stamp
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Washington
Washington has allowed Remote Online Notarization since March 27, 2020.
Becoming a Washington Remote Online Notary
To perform RON in Washington:
- First obtain a traditional WA notary commission (including $10,000 bond)
- Obtain Electronic Notary Endorsement:
- $15 fee (can add at initial commission or renewal)
- Authorizes notarizing electronic documents in person
- Obtain Remote Online Notary (RON) Endorsement:
- No additional fee
- Added after obtaining electronic endorsement
- Apply through SAW portal or follow DOL instructions
RON Requirements
- No additional training or exam required - but strongly recommended
- Must use approved audio-visual technology
- Must verify signer identity through approved methods
- Must maintain electronic journal
- Signer can be located anywhere if act complies with WA RON rules
RON Fees
You may charge up to $25 for remote notarial acts.
Total Cost to Become a Washington Notary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Surety Bond (4 years) | $35-$55 |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Notary Stamp | $25-$50 |
| Notary Journal (required) | $15-$40 |
| Printed License Copy (optional) | $5 |
| Total Estimated | $115-$190 |
Additional RON Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Endorsement | $15 |
| RON Endorsement | $0 |
| RON Technology Platform | Varies (monthly subscription) |
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Obtain bond | Same day (online) |
| Submit online application | Same day |
| DOL processing | 1-2 weeks |
| Purchase supplies | 1-3 days |
| Total | 1-3 weeks |
Renewal Process
Renewal Requirements:
- Apply before your commission expires
- Renewal fee: $42 (or $57 with e-endorsement)
- Provide updated surety bond
- Purchase new stamp with updated expiration date
- No exam or course required
Errors & Omissions Insurance
While not required, Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance is recommended:
- Protects you from liability for unintentional errors
- Typical coverage: $10,000-$25,000
- Annual cost: $20-$50
Important Washington Laws to Know
Key Statutes:
- RCW 42.45 - Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts
- WAC 308-30 - Administrative rules for notaries
Journal Retention: Washington's 10-year journal retention requirement is among the longest in the nation.
Start Your Washington Notary Career Today
Washington makes it straightforward to become a notary public with no exam or training requirements. Obtain your bond, apply through the Department of Licensing, and begin serving clients across the state.