Learn the requirements and how to apply for a notary public license.
Who needs a license?
You must be licensed to witness and verify the identities of individuals during document signing.
How to apply
Follow the steps below to get your notary public license.
1. Meet the requirements
To get a notary public license, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to read and write English
- Live in Washington or have a place of employment or practice in Washington
2. Gather the necessary documents
- Electronic copy of your notarized Oath of Office form
- Electronic copy of your signed $10,000 surety bond
- Payment for the application fee
3. Submit your application
You can apply online or by mail.
Apply for your license online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Apply for your license by mail
Mail a completed Notary Public Commission Application, a copy of your signed surety bond (don't send the Errors and Omissions policy), and a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the application fee to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777
How to apply for an electronic notary endorsement
You can add an electronic notary endorsement when you apply for a new commission or when you renew your current commission.
To add an electronic notary endorsement any other time:
Add an electronic endorsement online
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or create an account to add an endorsement online.
Add an electronic endorsement by mail
Mail a completed Notary Public Electronic Notarization Endorsement Application, the name of your electronic notary software, and a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the endorsement fee to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777
After you receive your electronic notary endorsement
- You must give us the name of the software you'll be using within 30 days of receiving the endorsement.
- You can't notarize electronic records until we've received the name of your software.
How to apply for remote notary endorsement
If you already have an electronic records notary endorsement, you can apply to perform remote notary endorsement. Email us at notaries@dol.wa.gov to request this endorsement and include the name of your remote notarization software in the email. You can also send your request by mail to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3917
Seattle, WA 98124-3917
Wait until we've issued approval before remotely notarizing signatures.
After you receive your commission
1. Get your stamp or seal
You can order a stamp from your bonding company or any stamp provider such as an office supply store.
By law, the vendor must see a copy of your notary license before making your stamp or seal. If they don't ask, they're not a reputable vendor and you should go to another vendor.
Your notary stamp must meet Washington legal requirements for content and size:
- RCW 42.45.150 describes what an official stamp should include
- WAC 308-30-070 describes the size and form of an official stamp
2. Keep a journal of all notarizations
You must keep a physical journal of all your notarizations. You may also keep an electronic journal for your own records, but it can't replace the physical book.
The journal must be:
- A permanent, bound book with numbered pages
- Kept in a locked and secured area under your exclusive control
- Kept for 10 years after the last notarization recorded in the journal
Journal entries must be made at the time of the notarization and include:
- The date and time of the notarization
- A description of the document or act being notarized
- The full name, address, and signature of each person requesting the notarization
- A brief description of the identification method
If you resign your commission, or if you're suspended or revoked, you must tell us where the journal is located.
3. Stay current
- Read the current and upcoming notary public laws and rules.
- Take an optional notary education class. Contact education providers for more information.
- Tell us if your name or address changes. Learn how to update your license.
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