Washington Notary Fees
The total cost to become a Washington notary runs between $105 and $215, depending on whether you add the electronic endorsement, request a mailed certificate, and how much you spend on supplies. But there are two completely different fee categories people confuse: what you pay to get commissioned, and what you can charge clients once you're active.
Commissioning Costs
These are one-time fees paid to the Department of Licensing (DOL) and third parties during the application process:
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base commission application | $40 |
| Electronic records endorsement (optional) | $15 |
| Combined application (base + electronic) | $55 |
| $10,000 surety bond (4-year term) | $30–$60 |
| Notarized Oath of Office | $0–$15 |
| Commission certificate (printed from SAW) | $0 |
| Commission certificate (mailed by DOL) | $5 |
| Compliant stamp | $20–$50 |
| Bound physical journal | $15–$30 |
Total range: Roughly $105 to $215, depending on whether you add the electronic endorsement or mailed certificate, how much you pay for the bond (credit-dependent), and where you buy supplies.
The remote online notary (RON) endorsement carries no additional DOL fee — you just need the electronic endorsement already active. The cost for RON comes from the platform subscription with your chosen provider, which is a private commercial expense.
Renewal Costs
Commission renewal fees are slightly higher than the initial application:
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base commission renewal | $42 |
| Electronic endorsement renewal | $15 |
| New surety bond (4-year term) | $30–$60 |
| New stamp (required — expiration date changes) | $20–$50 |
Total renewal range: Roughly $92 to $167. You don't need a new journal unless your current one is full.
Maximum Fees You Can Charge Clients
WAC 308-30-220 sets strict caps on what notaries can charge per act:
| Notarial Act | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Taking an acknowledgment | $15 per signature |
| Administering an oath or affirmation (jurat) | $15 per signature |
| Witnessing or attesting a signature | $15 per signature |
| Certifying a copy | $15 per page |
| Remote online notarization (any act) | $25 per transaction |
These are maximums, not minimums. You can charge less, and many workplace notaries charge nothing. But exceeding the cap violates state law regardless of how complex or time-consuming the notarization is.
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Travel Fees for Mobile Notaries
The $15 per-act cap does not apply to travel fees. Under WAC 308-30-220(5), mobile notaries can charge whatever travel fee they and the client agree on — there's no state maximum. The only requirement is disclosure: you must tell the client upfront that the travel fee is a separate charge not mandated by state law, and get their agreement before making the trip.
Most mobile notaries in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor charge $25 to $75 for travel, with higher rates for after-hours, weekend, or rush appointments. Rural areas typically command lower travel fees.
Name Change and Other Administrative Fees
| Administrative Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate commission certificate (name change) | $15 |
| Contact information update (address, phone, email) | $0 |
Name changes require a $15 duplicate certificate fee plus a bond rider from your surety company reflecting your new name. You also need a new stamp once the updated certificate is issued.
For the full fee breakdown, startup cost calculator, and revenue projections for mobile notary work, get the Washington notary commission guide.
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