How to Become a Washington Notary

Here is a step-by-step guide to become a notary in Washington. Notaries.com handles all of these requirements through our easy application, so rest-assured you have everything you need to become a notary!

1) Meet State of Washington Notary Requirements

In order to become a notary public in Washington you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to write and read English
  • Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
  • Live in Washington State, or have a place of employment or practice in Washington

2) Purchase a Notary Bond

Washington requires that all notaries have a $10,000 surety bond. Bonds are required because it protects clients from potential financial harm due to a possible notarization mistake.

The state does not provide these bonds, but one is included with our complete notary package. Be sure to pick a name for your surety bond that you want to appear on your official seal of office.

After purchase, you must print and sign your bond.

3) Take an Oath of Office

Every notary applicant must take an oath of office in the presence of a Washington notary in good standing. Before taking the oath of office, make sure you bring satisfactory evidence of your identity (such as a state-issued photo ID or US passport).

4) Complete The Washington Notary Application

After getting your bond and taking your oath of office, you can complete the Washington notary renewal application in two ways: on the WA Secretary of State (SOS) website or by mail via a printable PDF. Note: The Washington SOS recommends renewing online to avoid processing delays.

Whether you complete your application online or by mail, you must include the following:

  • A copy of your $10,000 surety bond
  • Your signed and notarized oath of office
  • Payment for the $30 application fee

If applying by mail, send your application to:

Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777

5) Receive Your Notary Stamp

According to the Washington Department of Licensing, it takes at least 30 days to receive your notary commission. Once it arrives, you can get your required notary stamp and journal.

The state of Washington requires all notaries to have a notary stamp but does not provide them directly. We include a custom self-inking notary stamp our notary package.

This stamp includes:

  • Your name as it appears on the commission
  • The words "state of Washington"
  • The words "notary public"
  • The notary commission expiration date and ID number*

*Because the expiration date must be displayed on the notary stamp, we cannot manufacture your stamp until we've received a copy of your notary commission. To receive your stamp from us, forward an email or scanned copy of your certificate to info@notaries.com.

We will then manufacture a notary stamp that meets or exceeds state specifications and promptly ship it to you.

The state of Washington also requires all notaries to keep a journal of their work. That's why we include a notary record keeping journal in our complete notary package.