How to become a notary in Washington
Eligibility, a $10,000 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Washington State Department of Licensing (Notary Public Program).
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 18+, Washington resident, or a person with a place of employment or practice in Washington (so out-of-state residents who work in Washington qualify); Must be able to read and write English. May be disqualified for a felony or gross misdemeanor relating to notary practice (e.g. theft) within the past 5 years; reviewed case by case (RCW 42.45.210).
- Buy a $10,000 surety bond — 4-year $10,000 surety bond from a company licensed to do surety in Washington; submit a copy of the signed bond with the application. The commission expires when the bond expires (a 2-year bond gives a 2-year commission). An E&O policy does not satisfy the bond requirement.
- Complete the background check — No fingerprinting; criminal history is reviewed from the application (felony or gross misdemeanor related to notary practice within 5 years may disqualify).
- Apply to the Washington State Department of Licensing (Notary Public Program) — Pay the $40 state fee. Other fees: Electronic notarization endorsement $15 (new or renewal); license print fee $5; name/address change free. The oath of office must itself be notarized (notary fee). Fees are non-refundable.
- Take the oath and file it — Before applying, sign a notarized Oath of Office form and submit it with the application, the bond copy and fee (online via SecureAccess Washington or by mail).
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: inked stamp or seal with 'Notary Public', 'State of Washington', name as commissioned, commission expiration date and commission number; min 8-pt type; at least 1-5/8 in. diameter if round or 1 in. x 1-5/8 in. if rectangular; must not contain the state seal. Vendor must see a copy of your license before making it. Journal: Required.
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Washington's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Washington notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Washington State Department of Licensing (Notary Public Program) |
| Who can apply | 18+ · Washington resident, or a person with a place of employment or practice in Washington (so out-of-state residents who work in Washington qualify) |
| Course | Not required No training required; DOL strongly urges an optional class and lists education providers |
| Exam | Not required No exam required |
| State fee | $40 |
| Other fees | Electronic notarization endorsement $15 (new or renewal); license print fee $5; name/address change free. The oath of office must itself be notarized (notary fee). Fees are non-refundable |
| Surety bond | $10,000 4-year $10,000 surety bond from a company licensed to do surety in Washington; submit a copy of the signed bond with the application. The commission expires when the bond expires (a 2-year bond gives a 2-year commission). An E&O policy does not satisfy the bond requirement |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | No fingerprinting; criminal history is reviewed from the application (felony or gross misdemeanor related to notary practice within 5 years may disqualify) |
| Term | 4 years (tied to the surety bond expiration date) |
| Oath / filing | Before applying, sign a notarized Oath of Office form and submit it with the application, the bond copy and fee (online via SecureAccess Washington or by mail) |
| Seal | Required: inked stamp or seal with 'Notary Public', 'State of Washington', name as commissioned, commission expiration date and commission number; min 8-pt type; at least 1-5/8 in. diameter if round or 1 in. x 1-5/8 in. if rectangular; must not contain the state seal. Vendor must see a copy of your license before making it |
| Journal | Required |
| Max fee per notarization | $15 per notarial act (acknowledgment, signature witnessing, oath, copy certification); $25 per remote notarial act; travel fee allowed if explained in advance |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Requires an electronic records notary endorsement ($15; give DOL the name of your software within 30 days), then request a separate remote notary endorsement by email to DOL naming the remote platform; wait for approval. Max $25 per remote act |
| Renewal | Every 4 years; renew up to 120 days before expiration with a new $10,000 bond copy; fee $42 ($57 with electronic endorsement). An expired commission cannot be renewed — you must apply as new |
Journal must be a permanent bound paper book with numbered pages (an electronic journal may supplement but not replace it), kept locked and retained 10 years after the last entry. DOL held a rulemaking on WAC 308-30-060 application fees (hearing October 28, 2026) — fees may change.
Sources: WA DOL – Get your license: Notaries public · WA DOL – Fees: Notaries public · WA DOL – Renew or update your license · WA DOL – Notary FAQ · WA DOL – News and updates (fee rulemaking 2026). Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Washington notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Washington licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Washington insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Washington?
The state fee is $40, plus Electronic notarization endorsement $15 (new or renewal); license print fee $5; name/address change free. The oath of office must itself be notarized (notary fee). Fees are non-refundable. Add the premium for the $10,000 bond, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Washington?
Allow at least 30 days; no expedited service (online applications are faster).
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Washington?
Washington requires a $10,000 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Washington?
$15 per notarial act (acknowledgment, signature witnessing, oath, copy certification); $25 per remote notarial act; travel fee allowed if explained in advance.
Can I be an online notary in Washington?
Yes. Requires an electronic records notary endorsement ($15; give DOL the name of your software within 30 days), then request a separate remote notary endorsement by email to DOL naming the remote platform; wait for approval. Max $25 per remote act