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How to Become a Notary in Washington: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
From the bustling notary desks in downtown Seattle to the small-town signing offices in the Palouse, Washington notaries play a vital role in keeping legal and business documents moving across the state. Whether you're looking to add a professional credential to your resume, support your employer's workflow, or build a side hustle performing loan signings, becoming a notary public in Washington is a straightforward process — as long as you follow each step in the right order. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, based on current information from the Washington Secretary of State and the National Notary Association.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Washington Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Washington?
Before you get too far into planning, make sure you meet the baseline qualifications. Washington keeps it fairly simple:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Washington (or employed in WA) — this is worth highlighting: you don't have to live in Washington, but you do need to work in the state if you're a non-resident applicant
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
If you check all three boxes, you're eligible to move forward.
What You'll Need
Before diving into the application process, it helps to have everything lined up. Here's what you'll need to complete your journey from applicant to commissioned notary:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A $10,000 surety bond (typically costs $50–100 through a bonding agency)
- Completion of a state-approved notary education course
- A passing score on the Washington notary exam
- The $40 filing fee
Gathering these items ahead of time will save you from stop-and-start frustration, especially since some of them — like the education course and exam — require a time commitment.
Step 1: Complete Required Education
Washington doesn't let you wing it. Before you can even submit an application, you need to complete a state-approved notary education course. This isn't just a formality — the course covers notary laws specific to Washington, proper procedures for different types of notarial acts, and the real-world responsibilities that come with the commission. Plan to set aside a few hours for this, and make sure the course provider is explicitly approved by the state. The last thing you want is to complete a course that doesn't count.
Step 2: Pass the Notary Exam
After your education course comes the exam. Washington requires you to pass a notary examination that tests your understanding of state notary laws, notarial acts, proper identification procedures, and best practices. Don't underestimate this step — the exam is designed to make sure you're truly prepared, not just that you sat through a course. Study the material thoroughly, and if the course provider offers practice questions, use them. The exam is generally taken online, and you'll receive your results fairly quickly.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Once you've passed the exam, it's time to fill out the official notary application from the Washington Secretary of State. You'll need to provide your full legal name (make sure this matches your ID exactly), your residential address, and your county of residence. Double-check every field before submitting — errors or inconsistencies can delay your commission.
Step 4: Submit with Bond and Fee
Along with your completed application, you'll need to include two critical items:
- A $10,000 surety bond — this protects the public if you make an error while performing notarial duties. You can purchase one through most insurance or bonding agencies, and it typically costs between $50 and $100 for the full four-year term.
- A $40 filing fee — this goes directly to the Secretary of State to process your application.
Send everything together. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Step 5: Receive Your Commission
Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, though it can vary depending on application volume. Once approved, you'll receive your commission certificate in the mail. Your commission is valid for four years, so mark your calendar — you don't want to let it lapse and have to start the process over again.
Step 6: Get Your Notary Supplies
Once you have your commission certificate in hand, it's time to order your supplies. Don't wait on this — you can't perform any notarial acts without them.
- A Washington notary stamp — this must meet specific state requirements regarding size, format, and the information it displays. Don't buy a generic stamp; make sure it's designed specifically for Washington notaries.
- A notary record book (journal) — Washington law requires you to maintain a journal documenting every notarial act you perform. This is non-negotiable and serves as your primary defense if a notarization is ever questioned.
Step 7: File Your Oath of Office
Here's the step that trips up more Washington notary applicants than almost anything else: before you can legally perform any notarizations, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office. This is mandatory, and your commission may become void if you skip it or delay it. Contact your county auditor or clerk's office to find out their specific process — some counties allow you to file in person, while others may accept it by mail. Do this immediately after receiving your commission certificate.
Common Mistakes New Washington Notaries Make
Learning from others' missteps can save you a headache (or worse):
- Not filing the oath before performing acts — as mentioned, this can void your commission entirely. Get it done first.
- Not keeping a journal — Washington requires a record of every notarial act, no exceptions. A missing journal entry can lead to disciplinary action.
- Using an incorrect stamp format — your stamp must meet Washington requirements exactly. A non-compliant stamp can cause documents to be rejected.
- Letting your commission expire — reappointment can take weeks, so start the renewal process well before your expiration date.
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — this is grounds for revocation in Washington, even if you "know" the person. The signer must always be in front of you (unless you're properly performing a remote online notarization).
How Much Does It Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Surety bond: $50–100
- Application fee: $40
- Notary stamp: $15–30
- Notary journal: $15–25
Total estimated cost: $120–195
This covers your first four-year commission term. It's a relatively modest investment for a credential that can open doors professionally and generate income over time.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Washington is one of the states that authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing commissioned notaries to perform notarizations online using audio-visual technology. If you're interested in offering RON services, you'll need to meet additional technology and registration requirements beyond the standard commissioning process. This can be a valuable skill set, especially in a tech-forward state like Washington where demand for remote services continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take?
From the time you submit your application to having your supplies in hand and your oath filed, you're typically looking at 2–3 weeks. If you include the time spent on the education course and exam prep, plan on roughly 3–4 weeks total.
Is there really an exam?
Yes. Unlike some states that only require a course, Washington requires you to pass a notary examination before you can apply. It's not something to stress over if you pay attention during the education course, but it is a firm requirement.
Do I need errors & omissions insurance?
Washington law doesn't require it, but it is strongly recommended. Errors & omissions insurance (often called E&O) protects you financially if you make an honest mistake while notarizing. Without it, you could be personally on the hook for damages. Given how affordable E&O policies typically are, most notary professionals consider it a no-brainer.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Washington notaries can charge up to $10 per notarization. If you're performing loan signings or other specialized services, you can generally charge additional fees for those as well — but the $10 cap applies to standard notarial acts.
How do I renew my commission?
Start the reappointment process before your current commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application — you'll need to complete the education course again, pass the exam, submit a new application with a surety bond and filing fee, file your oath, and get new supplies with your updated commission dates. Don't wait until the last minute, because there's no grace period for expired commissions.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Washington earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Washington supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Washington notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
