Quick Facts
Commission Term
4 years
Bond
$10,000
Application Fee
$40
Issuing Authority
Washington Department of Licensing
Journal
Required
Fee Caps
Yes
What makes Washington distinctive
- Washington permits remote online notarization (RON), joining 29 other states that allow notarization over live video.
- Washington requires a notary journal for every official act — only 17 of 50 states do.
Authorized Services
Core Services
Free TierAdvanced Services
Pro TierIdentity Verification Methods
- Personal Knowledge
- Government-Issued ID
- Credible Witness
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON Available
Washington authorizes remote online notarization. Additional requirements may apply.
Key Considerations
- Fee increase from $10 to $15 effective June 22, 2024 (first in several years)
- $10,000 bond REQUIRED (unlike some states without bond requirement)
- Journal MANDATORY for ALL notarial acts (both physical and electronic)
- 10-year retention for journal and RON recordings (longer than many states)
- RON requires TWO endorsements: electronic records + remote
Regulatory Authority
Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division
Visit official websiteStatutory Authority
Primary sources backing this guide. Refer to your state's current statutes for the authoritative text.
RCW 42.45
Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts
RCW 42.45.050
Personal Appearance Required
Identity verification standards and methods
RCW 42.45.130
Certificate of Notarial Act
Certificate requirements and execution standards
RCW 42.45.140
Short Form Certificates
Statutory short forms for acknowledgments and jurats
RCW 42.45.170
Fees
Statutory authority for notary fees
RCW 42.45.180
Journal
Mandatory journal requirements, retention, security
RCW 42.45.200
Commission Requirements
Qualifications, oath, surety bond, commission term
RCW 42.45.230
Prohibited Acts
UPL prohibitions, immigration restrictions, notario term ban
RCW 42.45.280
Electronic Records Notary Public
Electronic and remote notarization requirements
WAC 308-30
Notaries Public Administrative Rules
Department of Licensing rules for notaries
WAC 308-30-220
Fees
Maximum fee structure ($15 in-person as of June 22, 2024, $25 remote)
RCW 26.04.050
Who May Solemnize Marriages
Lists authorized marriage officiants (notaries NOT included)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notary commission valid in Washington?
A Washington notary public commission is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires reapplying through the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division before the term expires.
How much does it cost to apply to be a notary in Washington?
Washington charges $40 as the application fee to the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division. Additional costs may include the surety bond, official seal or stamp, and required journal.
Does Washington require a notary bond?
Yes. Washington requires a notary surety bond of $10,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; it is purchased from a licensed surety company, not the state.
Is a notary journal required in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a notary journal for every official act. The journal is a permanent record subject to inspection by the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division and must be retained for the period specified in state law.
Is a notary seal or stamp required in Washington?
Yes. Washington notaries must affix an official seal or stamp to every notarial act they perform. The seal must be obtained from an authorized vendor and meet the format requirements set by the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division.
Can Washington notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Washington authorizes remote online notarization (RON), allowing a notary to notarize documents over live video with an out-of-state signer. RON typically requires additional registration, an approved technology platform, and identity-proofing via knowledge-based authentication or credential analysis.
What identity verification methods can Washington notaries use?
Washington notaries may verify a signer's identity using the following methods: Personal Knowledge, Government-Issued ID, and Credible Witness. Each method has its own evidentiary weight — government-issued photo ID is the most common.
Does Washington cap notary fees?
Yes. Washington sets statutory maximum fees per notarial act. Charging more than the cap is a violation and may result in commission discipline. Maximum $15 for in-person notarial acts (effective June 22, 2024), $25 for remote notarial acts (WAC 308-30-220)
Who regulates notaries in Washington?
Washington notaries are commissioned and regulated by the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division. Application, renewal, and disciplinary processes are administered through their official website.
Does Washington authorize in-person electronic notarization (eNotarization)?
Yes. Washington authorizes in-person electronic notarization, where the signer is physically present but the document and signature are electronic. This is distinct from remote online notarization (RON), which uses live video for an out-of-state signer.
What notarial acts can Washington notaries perform?
Washington notaries are authorized to perform 12 of the 14 canonical notarial acts tracked in this guide, including Acknowledgment, Jurat, Oath / Affirmation, and Affidavit. See the Authorized Services section above for the full list.
Ready to Become a Notary in Washington?
Start your application through the Washington Department of Licensing - Notary Division.
Related Articles
Remote Online Notarization (RON): State Guide 2026
State-by-state breakdown of which jurisdictions permit RON, the technology requirements, and the additional registration steps for notaries who want to offer it.
Notary Fees by State Guide
Comprehensive comparison of statutory fee caps across all 50 states, including travel surcharges, electronic notarization premiums, and pro-bono guidance.
Notary Journal Requirements by State
When a journal is legally required versus advisory, what must be recorded, retention periods, and how to handle subpoenas of journal entries.
Get the Full Washington Compliance Guide
Step-by-step notarization guides with legal citations, fee schedules, and certificate templates.
Free during beta. No credit card required.