How to Become a Notary Public in Washington

This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.

Steps to Become a Washington Notary Public

Meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Submit your application along with your signed oath of office.
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
Purchase your notary seal and journal.
Register your electronic notary endorsement (if applicable).

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Become a Washington Notary public today!

About the Washington Notary Process

Becoming a Notary Public in Washington is a valuable opportunity to provide essential services in legal, financial, and real estate transactions. In Washington, the commission term for a Notary Public is four years, and renewal is required to maintain your status. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

Cost to Become a Notary in Washington

The total cost to become a Notary in Washington ranges from $100 to $250, depending on your choices for required supplies. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$45	Paid when submitting your application to the Washington Secretary of State.
Notary Public Association Course	$25	Optional course strongly recommended to understand Washington notary laws.
Surety Bond	$40 - $100	$10,000 bond required by law. Costs vary depending on the provider.
Notary Seal or Stamp	$20 - $40	Required for performing notarizations.
Notary Journal	$15 - $30	Required by law to maintain accurate records of notarial acts.
Electronic Notary Endorsement	$15 - $25	Required for performing electronic notarizations.
Total Cost	$100 - $250	Estimated total cost, depending on optional and variable expenses.

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Washington Commission Processing Time

The Washington Secretary of State typically processes Notary Public applications within 2 to 4 weeks. The timeframe begins once your completed application, bond, and fee are received and reviewed.

Washington Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Washington Notary Public, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Residency: Be a resident of Washington State or employed in the state.
Citizenship/Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien with a valid work permit.
Criminal Record: Not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude.

Who Is Ineligible to Become a Washington Notary?

Certain individuals are ineligible to serve as a Notary Public in Washington:

Felony Convictions: Applicants with felony convictions must provide evidence of restored civil rights.
Dishonest Conduct: Applicants with crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude may be disqualified.

Notary Training Recommendations

Washington does not require notary applicants to complete an education course. However, the Washington Department of Licensing strongly recommends taking a notary training course to ensure you understand the laws, responsibilities, and duties of a notary public. The Notary Public Association Washington course covers:

Washington notary laws and regulations.
Proper identification of signers.
Procedures for notarizing documents.
Electronic notarization requirements (if applicable).

Application Process

To officially apply for your Notary Public commission, you must:

Obtain a $10,000 Surety Bond: Purchase a bond from an approved provider to comply with state requirements.
Submit Your Application: Include your signed oath of office, proof of bond, and $45 application fee to the Washington Secretary of State.
Register Your Electronic Notary Endorsement (Optional): If you plan to perform electronic notarizations, register and pay the additional fee.
Monitor Your Application Status: Track your application’s progress through the Washington Secretary of State’s online portal.

Notary Supplies

Washington Notaries are required to use a notary seal and maintain a notary journal for all notarial acts.

Notary Seal or Stamp

Your notary seal must include:

Your name as it appears on your commission.
The words “Notary Public.”
The words “State of Washington.”
Your commission expiration date.

Notary Journal

Washington law requires notaries to maintain a detailed notary journal that records:

The date and time of the notarization.
A description of the document.
The name and address of the signer.
The type of identification presented.
The fee charged, if applicable.

Additional Requirements

When performing notarizations, Washington law mandates that you:

Verify the identity of the signer using acceptable forms of identification.
Ensure the signer understands the document and is signing willingly.
Use the correct notarial certificate for the act performed.
Retain records of electronic notarizations (if applicable).

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Washington is a valuable opportunity to serve your community, enhance your professional skills, and earn additional income. By completing the necessary steps, submitting your application, and obtaining the required supplies, you’ll be fully prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of a Washington Notary Public with confidence.

With careful preparation and adherence to state requirements, you can embark on a rewarding career in this trusted role.