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 State Department of Licensing and the National Notary Association.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Licensing 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)
- The $30 filing fee
That’s the whole list — Washington requires no exam and no education course. Gathering these items ahead of time will save you from stop-and-start frustration, and the bond is the only piece that takes any real lead time.
Step 1: Complete the Application
Fill out the official notary application from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) — not the 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 2: 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 $30 filing fee — this goes directly to the DOL to process your application.
Send everything together. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Step 3: 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 4: 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 5: Your Oath Goes to the Department of Licensing
Here’s the step that trips up more Washington notary applicants than almost anything else: your oath of office is filed with the Department of Licensing, not a county office — you take it as part of the DOL application process. This is mandatory, and your commission may become void if it’s missing or late. Do this before you perform any notarizations, and confirm your commission shows as active in the DOL’s lookup before your first stamp.
Common Mistakes New Washington Notaries Make
Learning from others’ missteps can save you a headache (or worse):
- Performing acts before your oath and commission are on file with the DOL — 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: $30
- Notary stamp: $15–30
- Notary journal: $15–25
Total estimated cost: $110–185
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 the DOL to having your supplies in hand, you’re typically looking at 2–3 weeks. Since there’s no exam or course to schedule around, most of the wait is just processing time.
Is there really an exam?
No. Washington requires neither a notary exam nor an education course — the application, bond, oath, and fee are the whole path. Read the DOL’s notary resources before you start so you know the rules, but nothing tested stands between you and the application.
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 caps notarial fees at $15 per notarial act under WAC 308-30-220 (raised from $10 effective June 22, 2024). If you’re performing loan signings or other specialized services, you can generally charge additional fees for those as well — but the $15 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 submit a new application with a surety bond and filing fee through the Department of Licensing, take your oath again, 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.
Sources
- Washington State Department of Licensing — Notary Public
- Chapter 308-30 WAC — Notaries Public
- NNA — Notary Fees by State
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Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Washington commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
*RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization (our sister site) — 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.
