Notary Bond Washington State

Washington requires every notary public to carry a $10,000 surety bond, and the confusion around what this bond actually does causes real financial exposure for people who think it's protecting them. It isn't. The bond protects the public. If you make an error that costs someone money, the bond pays out to the injured party — and then the surety company comes after you for reimbursement.

What the $10,000 Bond Covers

Under RCW 42.45.200, the surety bond is a financial guarantee that compensates members of the public who suffer damages from a notary's misconduct, negligence, or errors. If a claim is filed and validated, the surety company pays the claimant up to $10,000. Then the surety company has the legal right to recover that full amount from you.

This is fundamentally different from errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects the notary from personal financial liability. Washington does not require E&O insurance for any commission level, but private title companies and RON platforms often mandate it as a condition of doing business with them.

What a Bond Costs

The premium for a standard Washington notary bond ranges from $30 to $60 for the full four-year commission term. Your credit history affects the premium — applicants with good credit typically pay at the lower end. Some surety companies offer instant online issuance, so you can have your bond document within minutes.

State employees have a separate procurement path through the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and their Alliant surety contract. If your employer is a state agency, check with DES before purchasing on the open market.

Timing Matters

Your bond must be in hand before you submit your notary application to the Department of Licensing (DOL). The application requires you to upload a copy of your signed bond. No bond, no application.

More importantly, your commission term is tied directly to your bond's active dates under WAC 308-30-050. If you buy a bond with a two-year term, your commission is only valid for two years — even though Washington authorizes four-year commissions. Always purchase a bond that covers the full four years.

Bond Cancellation and Commission Suspension

If your surety company cancels your bond — for non-payment, a claim payout, or any other reason — your commission is automatically suspended. The surety is required to notify the DOL at least 30 days before cancellation takes effect, but the notary is ultimately responsible for maintaining continuous bond coverage.

A suspended commission means you cannot perform any notarial acts. Notarizing documents while your bond is lapsed is a violation that can lead to disciplinary action and personal liability for any acts performed during the gap.

How to Buy Your Bond

1. Choose a surety company licensed to write bonds in Washington State
2. Complete their application (usually online, takes 5-10 minutes)
3. Pay the premium ($30-$60 for a four-year term)
4. Physically sign the bond document once it arrives
5. Make a clear digital copy for your DOL application upload
6. Keep the original in a secure location

The DOL requires a signed bond. For an online application, upload a clear digital copy of the signed document; a digital-only bond without the required physical signature is not sufficient.

Renewal Bonds

When your commission comes up for renewal, you need a new bond — the DOL won't process a renewal application without one. The renewal bond covers another four-year term, and the same premium range applies. Start the renewal process early, since the DOL allows renewal applications up to 120 days before expiration. If your commission lapses, you can't renew — you have to reapply as a brand-new applicant.

For the complete bond purchasing walkthrough, commission timeline, and E&O insurance guidance for independent and mobile notaries, get the Washington notary commission guide.

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