How to become a notary in Washington

Get everything you need with a full Washington Notary Package.

The term of a Washington Notary commission is four years.

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.

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.

Learn how you can qualify to become a WA Notary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have questions about being a Notary in Washington? Read on below.

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Last updated: Jan 27, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Washington Notary Package.