How to Become a Notary in Washington State Easily

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Key Takeaways

$10,000 surety bond required
Journal required for all notarial acts
No exam or training course required
Application fee: $30 | Commission term: 4 years
Must be 18+, a WA resident, and able to read/write English
RON (remote online notarization) available since 2020

Washington requires a $10,000 surety bond and a journal for all notarial acts, but no exam or training course. The process runs through the Department of Licensing and is fully online. Here is how to get commissioned.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a Washington resident or work in the state
Be able to read and write English
Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond

Washington requires a $10,000 surety bond. Purchase it from a bonding company or insurance agent. The bond protects the public, not you. The premium typically costs $30-$60 for the 4-year term. You pay only the premium, not the $10,000.

Step 2: Submit Your Application Online

Complete the notary application through the Washington Department of Licensing. Upload your bond documentation and pay the $30 filing fee. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 3: Buy Your Supplies

Once approved, purchase your notary stamp (required) and a notary journal (required). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. You must keep your journal for 10 years after your commission ends. Washington is serious about journal retention.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
$10,000 surety bond premium	$30-$60
Application fee (Dept. of Licensing)	$30
Notary stamp	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$85-$165

Fee Schedule

Washington sets a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act. You may also charge a travel fee for mobile services if agreed upon in advance with the signer.

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Take verifications on oath or affirmation
Witness or attest signatures
Certify copies of documents (not vital records)
Note protests of negotiable instruments

Notary Stamp Requirements

Washington requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of Washington,” and your commission expiration date. You must use your stamp on every notarial certificate.

Notarizing for Family Members

Washington does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The conflict-of-interest rule applies: you cannot notarize any document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. Avoid notarizing for yourself, your spouse on shared financial documents, or any transaction where you stand to gain.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but recommended. The $10,000 surety bond protects the public. E&O insurance protects you personally from lawsuits related to notary errors. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year for $25,000-$100,000 in coverage.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct in Washington

Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor offense
Fraud or forgery: felony charges
Commission revocation: the Department of Licensing can revoke your commission at any time for cause
Civil liability: your $10,000 bond covers public claims; you are personally liable for damages above that amount

Employer Obligations

Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
If you leave your job, your stamp, journal, and commission go with you
Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability

Renewal

Washington notary commissions last 4 years. Renew through the Department of Licensing. You will need a new bond for each term. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap in your authority.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Washington authorized remote online notarization in 2020. To perform RON, you must hold an active Washington notary commission and register with the Department of Licensing as a remote notary. You must use an approved RON technology provider. Check the DOL website for the current list of approved providers.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Washington

Washington is not an attorney state for real estate closings, making it a strong market for signing agents. After getting commissioned, complete a signing agent training course to learn the loan document process. The Seattle-Tacoma metro area is the top market in the state. See our guide to becoming a signing agent for details.

How Washington Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Washington	Oregon	Idaho
Bond	$10,000	None	$10,000
Exam	No	No	No
Training	No	No	No
Term	4 years	4 years	6 years
Max Fee	$10	$10	$5
Journal	Required	Required	Recommended
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes

The Pacific Northwest states share similar requirements. Oregon stands out for having no bond requirement while still requiring a journal. Idaho offers the longest commission term (6 years) and lowest fee cap ($5). Washington and Oregon both cap fees at $10, the highest in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Washington state?

No. Washington does not require a notary exam or training course.

Do I need a surety bond in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires a $10,000 surety bond for all notary applicants.

Is a notary journal required in Washington?

Yes. Washington requires all notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts and retain it for 10 years after their commission ends.

How long does a Washington notary commission last?

4 years. Renew through the Department of Licensing before your commission expires.

Can Washington notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Washington authorized RON in 2020. Register through the Department of Licensing and use an approved technology provider.

How to Become a Notary in Washington (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Process