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Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Notary Public Program using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
Washington licenses notaries public through the Department of Licensing (not the Secretary of State). The commission lasts up to four years and expires on the same date as your $10,000 surety bond. Remote notarization is a separate endorsement. You need the traditional license, an electronic records notary endorsement, and then a remote notary endorsement before the first remote session.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow the Department of Licensing’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site. An older DOL guide that says Washington does not authorize remote notarization is out of date; use Resources and publications: Notaries public.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the Washington State Department of Licensing, Notary Public Program’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be licensed as a Washington notary public, you must meet all of the following:
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Start Here: License, Electronic Endorsement, Then Remote Endorsement
Apply for the notary license first (you may add the electronic endorsement at the same time). After the electronic endorsement is issued, request the remote endorsement and wait for DOL approval.
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Read the official notary pages Open Get your license: Notaries public, Fees: Notaries public, and Resources and publications: Notaries public. |
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Apply for the notary license Apply through SecureAccess Washington professional licenses or by mail with the oath, $10,000 bond, and fee. |
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If you already hold a Washington license and an electronic records endorsement, request the remote endorsement before the first remote session Email [email protected] with the name of your remote notarization software, or mail the request as Get your license: Notaries public instructs. |
Part 1: Traditional Washington Notary License
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired Washington notary public license. You cannot add endorsements until the underlying license is in place.
Checklist
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Review the official how-to Get your license: Notaries public, Frequently asked questions: Notaries public, and RCW 42.45 / WAC 308-30. |
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Complete traditional notary education Not required. DOL recommends an optional class (Resources and publications: Notaries public). |
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Obtain a $10,000 surety bond Buy a $10,000 bond from an insurer licensed to write surety in Washington. A shorter bond shortens the license. Do not mail an errors-and-omissions policy in place of the surety bond (Get your license: Notaries public). |
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Submit the traditional application Apply online or mail the form, oath, bond copy, and $40 application fee payable to the Department of Licensing (Fees: Notaries public). Renewal is $42 without the electronic endorsement. |
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Get a stamp after the license is issued The vendor must see a copy of your license before making the stamp. Keep a physical bound journal with numbered pages for 10 years after the last entry. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Electronic records notarization is in-person on an electronic document. Remote notarization is a later endorsement. You must have both endorsements before a remote session. DOL does not endorse a software vendor.
Have these ready
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Checklist
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Read the official online-notary instructions Get your license: Notaries public and Resources and publications: Notaries public. |
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Complete online notary education Not listed as a required DOL remote-notary course. Complete any training your software vendor requires. |
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Start the electronic endorsement Add it when you apply, through SecureAccess Washington professional licenses, or by mail with the Electronic Notarization Endorsement Application and $15 fee. New commission plus electronic endorsement is $55. Give DOL the software name within 30 days. |
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Request the remote endorsement After the electronic endorsement is in place, email [email protected] (or mail the request) and name the remote notarization software. |
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Upload your electronic seal Not applicable as a separate DOL seal-upload portal. Configure the electronic stamp in the software you named. |
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Pay and submit The Fees page lists $40 (license), $15 (electronic endorsement), and $42 / $57 (renewal without / with endorsement). A separate remote-endorsement dollar amount is not listed on Fees: Notaries public. Wait until DOL has issued remote approval before the first remote session. |
After You Are Commissioned
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Do not perform a remote notarial act until DOL has issued the remote endorsement. Electronic records notarization alone is not remote authorization.
Fees Listed by the Department of Licensing
Amounts are from Fees: Notaries public. All listed fees are non-refundable. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond premiums and software fees are extra.
| Item | Listed amount |
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| Traditional notary education | Not required (optional class) |
| Remote notary education | Not listed as a required DOL course |
| Notary public application | $40 |
| Electronic notarization endorsement | $15 ($55 if combined with a new application) |
| Remote notary endorsement | Not listed as a separate dollar amount on the Fees page |
| Surety bond | $10,000 coverage (premium paid to the bonding company) |
Official Washington Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Get your license | dol.wa.gov/.../get-your-license-notaries-public |
| Notary fees | dol.wa.gov/.../fees-notaries-public |
| Remote notarization resources | dol.wa.gov/.../resources-and-publications-notaries-public |
| Notary Public Program | (360) 664-1550 | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the remote endorsement first?
A: No. You need a Washington notary license and an electronic records notary endorsement before DOL will issue the remote endorsement.
Q: Does Washington approve a list of RON platforms?
A: The Department of Licensing does not endorse a vendor. You name the software and are responsible for using technology that meets WAC 308-30.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Fees: Notaries public and Get your license: Notaries public. Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State, not DOL.
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
