Notary Public
Washington
Notary Public Commission Requirements
4 years
Commission Term
before renewal
No
Education Required
no course needed
No
Exam Required
no exam needed
$10,000
Bond Required
surety bond
Application Process
VerifiedMeet all eligibility requirements (age 18+, WA resident or employed in WA, U.S. citizen/permanent resident, able to read and write English, no disqualifying convictions)
Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from a Washington-licensed insurer
Complete and sign the Oath of Office form (NP-659-009)
Submit the application online via SecureAccess Washington or by mail with the $40 application fee, signed surety bond copy, and signed oath form
Wait for DOL to review and process the application (allow at least 30 days)
Once approved, print your commission certificate (or request mailed copy for $5)
Purchase an official notary stamp from a vendor (vendor must verify your license first)
Begin maintaining a physical journal (bound, numbered pages) of all notarizations
Basic Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years or older years old
Residency
Must live in Washington or have a place of employment or practice in Washington
Citizenship
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; lawful presence in the U.S. required (SSN or ITIN)
Background Check
Applicants cannot have disqualifying convictions including felonies or gross misdemeanors involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within the past five years.
Education & Exam Requirements
Education
Not RequiredNo state-mandated training course is required for a traditional notary commission. However, reviewing Washington notary laws and completing optional education is strongly recommended by the Department of Licensing.
Exam
Not RequiredWashington does not require an exam to become a notary public.
Bond, Insurance & Seal
Surety Bond
Required$10,000
A $10,000 surety bond from a Washington-licensed insurer is mandatory and must cover the 4-year commission term. A signed copy of the bond must be submitted with the application.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredErrors and omissions insurance is not required but is recommended.
Seal / Stamp
Requiredeither
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $40 |
Bond Premium | $50-$100 (typical cost for $10,000 surety bond) |
Stamp / Seal | $20-$40 |
Total Estimated Cost | $110-$180 |
Commission Term & Renewal
Commission Term
4 years
Renewal Process
Submit a renewal application online through SecureAccess Washington or by mail with the renewal fee ($42 without endorsement, $57 with endorsement). A new $10,000 surety bond for the new term must be obtained and submitted.
Renewal Fee
$42 (without endorsement) or $57 (with endorsement)
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Remote online notarization has been legal in Washington since October 1, 2020. Remote notaries must create and retain an audio-visual recording of every online notarization performed. To perform RON, a notary must first obtain an electronic notary endorsement, then a remote notary endorsement (which requires the electronic endorsement).
Additional Requirements
Must first hold a traditional notary commission, then obtain an electronic notary endorsement ($15), and then a remote notary endorsement. Must provide the name of the software used within 30 days of receiving the endorsement. The electronic endorsement fee is $15.
Important Notes
What Makes Washington Unique
Washington requires notaries to maintain a physical journal (bound, numbered pages) with 10-year retention requirement.
Washington requires notaries to maintain a physical journal (bound, numbered pages) with 10-year retention requirement.
The journal must be kept in a locked, secured area under the notary's exclusive control.
Notaries must notify the DOL if their name or address changes, or if their commission is resigned, suspended, or revoked.
The standard maximum fee per notarial act was increased from $10 to $15 effective June 22, 2024.
Must be able to read and write English.
Disqualifying convictions include felonies or gross misdemeanors involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within the past five years (a 5-year lookback, not a lifetime bar).