How to Become a Notary Public in Washington

Checked against Washington State Department of Licensing, Notary Public Program · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Not required
Training: Not required
Term: 4 years
State fee: $40
Bond: $10,000 surety bond in your name. Errors and omissions insurance is not required.
Commissioned by: Washington State Department of Licensing, Notary Public Program

Take the free notary practice test →

Who can apply

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must be able to read and write English.
You must live in Washington or have a place of work or practice in Washington.

Step by step

Buy a $10,000 surety bond in your name and sign it.
Fill out the Notary Public Commission Application.
Sign the Oath of Office in front of a current notary.
Apply online through SecureAccess Washington (SAW), or mail the application, a copy of your bond, and a check or money order.
Pay the $40 application fee.
After you get your commission, buy a stamp or seal and keep a journal.

Official application →

No state exam here, but notaries are liable for mistakes. Check your notary knowledge with the free practice test →

What it costs in Washington

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

$10,000 surety bond premium$
Notarizing your Oath of Office$
Application fee (Department of Licensing)$40
Notary stamp or seal$
Bound journal with numbered pages$
Electronic notarization endorsement(optional)$15
DOL print-and-mail fee per license copy(optional)$5

Estimated total in Washington$40Plus 4 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

$15 electronic notarization endorsement (optional)
Surety bond premium
Notary stamp or seal and journal
$5 fee per copy only if you want DOL to print and mail your license (self-printing online is free)

Pay in Washington

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Washington after taxes.

What other sites get wrong about Washington

Myth: The Washington notary filing fee is $30.

Fact: The Department of Licensing application fee is $40, or $55 with the electronic notarization endorsement ($15). source

Myth: You apply to the Washington Secretary of State to become a notary.

Fact: Washington notaries are licensed by the Department of Licensing, which takes applications online or by mail. source

After you're commissioned

Renewal: Renew up to 120 days before expiration with your license number and a copy of your bond; the fee is $42, or $57 with the electronic endorsement, and an expired commission cannot be renewed.

Remote online notarization: Yes. A notary with an electronic records endorsement can add remote notarization by giving the Department the name of their remote software.

Good to know in Washington

Journal required: You must keep one physical, bound journal with numbered pages for all notarizations and keep it for 10 years after the last entry. An electronic journal can be kept too but cannot replace the bound book.

What you can charge: WAC 308-30-220 caps fees at $15 per act for witnessing a signature, acknowledgments, verifications, certified copies and oaths, and $25 for a remote notarial act. Travel fees must be agreed in advance.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing, Notary Public Program before you apply.