For Notaries · Washington
How to Become a Notary in Washington
To become a notary in Washington, you must be at least 18, able to read and write English, and either live or work in the state. Get a $10,000 surety bond, then file your application and $40 fee with the Department of Licensing. No exam is required, and commissions last four years.
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Washington makes it relatively easy to become a notary public: there is no state exam and no mandatory training course. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) commissions notaries, and you will need a $10,000 surety bond, a $40 application fee, and to meet basic eligibility rules. Commissions run four years, with the exact expiration tied to your bond term. If you want to notarize electronic documents or perform remote online notarizations for signers who appear by live audio-video, you add the $15 electronic records notary endorsement.
Washington Notary Requirements at a Glance
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old, able to read and write English, and either living in Washington or having a place of employment or practice in Washington. Washington does not require U.S. citizenship, and there is no exam. |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Required — a $10,000 surety bond obtained for the four-year commission term from any insurer or bonding company licensed to do surety business in Washington. The bond protects the public, not you, so consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage. |
| State filing fee | $40 application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) |
| Commission term | 4 years (expiration is tied to your surety bond term) |
| Notary education | Optional — no course is required, though the Department of Licensing strongly recommends taking an education class. |
| Exam | Not required — Washington does not require a notary exam. |
Washington's notary application fee is $40, and adding the electronic records notary endorsement — required to notarize electronic documents and perform remote online notarizations — costs an additional $15. — Washington State Department of Licensing — Notary Public Fees
How to Become a Notary in Washington: Step by Step
- 1
Confirm you're eligible
You must be at least 18, able to read and write English, and either live in Washington or have a place of employment or practice in the state. Washington does not require U.S. citizenship, and there is no exam to pass.
- 2
Get a $10,000 surety bond
Purchase a four-year, $10,000 notary surety bond from any insurer or bonding company licensed to do surety in Washington. Your commission's expiration is tied to the bond term, so buy the full four years. Consider separate errors-and-omissions coverage to protect yourself.
- 3
Complete your application (and an optional class)
Fill out the Washington notary public application through the Department of Licensing. No exam or course is required, but DOL strongly recommends taking an optional notary education class to learn the state's notary laws and your duties.
- 4
Submit your application and $40 fee
File your application with proof of your surety bond and the $40 application fee, payable to the Department of Licensing, online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or by mail.
- 5
Receive your commission and start notarizing
Once DOL approves you, you receive a four-year commission. Order your notary stamp/seal and a journal, then you're ready to notarize across Washington — and you can add the $15 electronic records endorsement to notarize electronic documents and perform remote online notarizations.
How to Become an Online (Remote) Notary in Washington
Yes. Washington authorizes remote online notarization. A commissioned Washington notary who adds the electronic records notary endorsement can be authorized to perform remote notarial acts — notarizing for signers who appear over live audio-visual communication technology instead of in person. Remote acts require identifying your technology provider to DOL and retaining an audiovisual recording of each session for at least ten years.
Online / remote notary application fee: $15 (electronic records notary endorsement; remote acts require no extra state fee)
Remote online notarization is operative now in Washington under chapter 42.45 RCW; you need the $15 electronic records endorsement plus remote authorization before performing remote acts.
See how RON is authorized in Washington — and state by state →
Walk through the Washington remote online notarization process →
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary in Washington
Washington allows remote online notarization, so once you hold a Washington commission you can register to notarize for signers who appear over live video — and take on assigned online signings.
| Traditional (in-person) notary | Remote online notary (RON) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the signer appears | In person, in the same room | Over a live, recorded audio-video call |
| Available in Washington? | Yes | Available now — register once commissioned |
| What you need | Seal and journal | An approved RON platform, identity-proofing, and a digital certificate |
| Where the work comes from | Local, walk-in and mobile appointments | Nationwide — e.g. assigned online signings through USA Notary |
What Does It Cost to Become a Notary in Washington?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State application fee | $40 (fixed by the state) |
| $10,000 surety bond (4-year) | Premium varies by bonding company |
| Electronic records notary endorsement | $15 (fixed by the state) |
| Stamp/seal & journal | Varies by supplier |
| Optional education class | Varies by provider |
See costs and fees on USA Notary for platform-side details.
Turn Your Washington Commission Into Income
Getting commissioned is step one. USA Notary connects commissioned notaries with assigned, paid remote signings — so your commission actually earns. Learn how Washington notaries earn, check the platform requirements for Washington notaries, and browse become-a-notary guides for other states.
Join USA Notary as a notaryFrequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Notary in Other States
Requirements differ by state — here are nearby Pacific guides and other popular states. See the full 50-state directory.
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
Connect on LinkedInOfficial sources
- Washington State Department of Licensing — Get your notary license
- Washington DOL — Notary public fees
- Washington DOL — Electronic records notary public endorsement
- Washington DOL — Notaries public FAQ
This guide summarizes public requirements from Washington's notary authority and is for general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees can change — always confirm current details with your state before applying.