To become a Notary in Washington, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Meet the state's qualifications.
- Get your $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete the application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Get your Notary stamp and journal.
About the Washington State Notary Process
The term of a Washington Notary commission is four years.
Cost to Become a WA Notary
The cost of becoming a Notary in Washington State ranges between $150 and $175, depending on the Notary supply provider(s) you choose to work with.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application filing fee |
$40 |
| $10,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Notary seal |
$30 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$150 - $175 |
Commission Processing Time
It takes at least four weeks for the state to review your application, although it may take longer if there are mistakes on your application.
Submitting your application online may help expedite the commissioning process.
Washington Notary Public Requirements
Learn how you can qualify to become a WA Notary.
Eligibility
To qualify to become a Notary in Washington, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of or have a place of business in Washington State
- Be able to read and write English
You can be disqualified for any act or omission that demonstrates a lack of honesty, integrity, competence or reliability necessary to act as a Notary Public.
Surety Bond
Washington State requires all Notaries to get a $10,000 surety bond. If damages are paid out from the bond, you must pay back the company that issued the bond and any legal fees incurred.
Application
Complete the application and submit it along with a copy of your surety bond and a $40 application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing online or by mail.
Notary Supplies
After receiving your Notary certificate, order your official Notary seal and journal.
You must provide your Washington Notary certificate from the state to the vendor you choose to produce your seal. The seal may either be an inked rubber stamp or an embosser. The seal shape may either be circular that is at least 1 5/8" in diameter or rectangular at 1" x 5/8". All type on the stamp must be at least 8-point type, and the following information must be included:
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "State of Washington"
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your commission expiration date
- Your commission number
- Any other information required by the director
The reproduction of the Washington State seal within the stamp or seal is prohibited.
Washington Notaries must record all notarial acts within a physical journal, including remote online notarizations. Washington requires journals to be permanent, bound books with numbered pages. Look for security features like tamper-proof sewn binding for another layer of protection.
You must keep your journal in a locked, secured area during your commission and 10 years after recording the last notarization.
Washington Notary Public FAQs
Have questions about being a Notary in Washington? Read on below.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Department of Licensing, located in Olympia, WA, is responsible for commissioning Notaries Public in Washington.
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777
May I become a Washington Notary if I don't live in the state?
Yes. If you have a place of business in the state, you may become a Washington Notary.
Is training or an exam required to be a Washington State Notary?
Is E&O insurance required?
Where will I be able to notarize?
Washington Notaries have statewide jurisdiction.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for any member of the public who makes a reasonable request and meets all requirements for notarization, such as personally appearing before you and providing satisfactory proof of identity.
You cannot notarize your own signature.
While Washington State allows Notaries to notarize for a family member outside of a spouse or partner so long as the Notary, spouse or partner do not have a direct benefit, it is not advised.
What fees can WA Notaries charge for their services?
Washington State allows Notaries to charge up to $15 per notarial act. Notaries may charge an additional fee for traveling as long as the signer agrees to it in advance.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
If there’s a change to your address, notify the Department of Licensing either online, by email or by mail. For email or mail updates, send the DOL the following information to notaries@dol.wa.gov or the DOL office:
- Your name as it appears on your Notary certificate
- Your date of birth
- Your previous address, phone or email
- Your new address, phone or email
To have your name changed, you may update it online or by mail. In both cases, you'll need to have a copy of your surety bond rider with your new name and payment for the $15 fee.
For mail updates, you must complete the Notary Public Name Change Application and send the form along with payment to the Notary Public Program of the Department of Licensing.
How do I renew my commission as a Washington Notary?
How can I get an Electronic Records Notary Public Endorsement?
You can apply for an electronic records Notary Public endorsement at any time during your commission as a Washington Notary for $15. Or you can apply for the endorsement simultaneously with your regular application process, which costs $55.
- Complete the Notary Public Electronic Notarization Endorsement Application.
- Submit the form along with payment for the $15 fee to the Department of Licensing online or by mail.
- Within 30 days after receiving your endorsement, provide the DOL the name of the electronic Notary software you intend to use.
The DOL prohibits you from notarizing electronic documents until they've received the name of your chosen software.
A new surety bond is not required.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Washington?
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Last updated: Jan 27, 2025