How to Become a Notary in the State of Washington

By following our step-by-step guide below, you'll be on your way to becoming a Washington notary.

To become a Washington notary, you must:

1.  Be 18 years of age or older.
2.  Be able to read and write in English.
3. A citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
4.  Live in Washington State, or have a place of employment or practice in Washington

If you meet the above qualifications, you can apply to become a Washington notary by:

1.  Purchasing a four-year, $10,000 Washington surety bond.
2. Taking an oath of office
3. Complete an application online or by mail
4. Pay a $30.00 state filing fee
5. Waiting for your Washington Notary Public Commission Certificate in the mail.
6. Order notary stamp and record book (journal).

Click here to start the Washington notary application process.

How can I start the Washington notary application process to become a Washington notary?

You can apply to become a Washington notary on the Secretary of State's website, or you can download an application and mail it to the state. Both options require you to provide a copy of  the notary bond and the oath of office.  Click here to start the Washington notary application process. 

How do I renew my Washington notary commission?

Renewing your Washington notary commission requires you to take the same steps you did when  applying for a Washington notary commission for the first time. You need to provide a new notary bond, take an oath of office, and complete a notary application. 

When can I renew my Washington notary commission?

Washington notary commissions expires every four years. You can renew your Washington notary commission within 120 days before your commission expiration date. Your notary commission does not renew automatically. Click here to start the Washington notary process.

How much does it cost to become a Washington notary?

To become a Washington notary, you must:

Purchase a  four-year, $10,000 Washington surety bond. The cost of the $10,000 surety bond is $40.00. Click here to order a notary bond

Pay a $30.00 notary application fee.

Purchase a  Washington notary stamp and notary journal (record book). Click here to purchase notary supplies.

How long does it take to become a Washington notary public?

The time it takes to complete a notary application and secure a surety bond varies from applicant to applicant. After you mail the correctly completed notary application, a copy of your surety bond, and a $30.00 processing fee to the Notary Public Program Department of Licensing, it takes at least thirty days for you to receive your Washington Notary Public Commission Certificate by mail.

How long does a Washington notary commission last?

A Washington notary term is four years. To verify when your term begins and ends, you'll have to look at the effective and expiration dates on the Washington Notary Public Commission Certificate that was issued to you when your notary application was approved. To continue performing notarial acts as a Washington notary after your current expiration date, you'll have to renew your commission before your notary term expires. Please click here to renew your commission.

Do I need to purchase a Washington notary stamp? What notary supplies do I need when I become a Washington notary?

To perform notarial acts in Washington state, you will need, at a minimum, a Washington notary stamp and a  notary record book, sometimes called a journal,  A Washington notary stamp l must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Include the words "Notary Public" and "State of Washington."
2. Include the notary's name and commission expiration date.
3. Use letters and numbers on the impression that are a minimum of eight-point type, permanently affixed, and not preprinted.
4. Be a minimum 1 5/8" in diameter for a round-shaped impression.
5. Be a minimum 1" wide and 1 5/8" long for a rectangular-shaped impression.
6. Not include the Washington State Seal.
7. Make impressions using permanent ink.

How do I order a Washington notary stamp and record book?

To order a notary stamp or notary record book go to https://www.washingtonnotary.com/notary-stamps  All our notary stamps and notary supplies come with a life-time replacement guarantee, are made in house, and are shipped in one business day.

Do I need to send you my Washington notary commission certificate?

Yes. The State of Washington requires all vendors to keep a copy of the notary's commission certificate before processing an order for a notary stamp or notary seal embosser.

How can I train to become a Washington notary?

The Washington State's Department of Licensing website https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/notary/nresources.html has a list of places you can take a notary education course and a webpage about how to perform notary acts.

Click here to learn more about how to become a Washington notary.