Washington Notary Requirements

Washington's notary requirements are spread across two separate legal chapters — RCW 42.45 and WAC 308-30 — plus DOL portal instructions that don't always match the statute text. Here's everything consolidated into one reference.

Eligibility Requirements

Under RCW 42.45.200, you must meet all of the following:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to read and write English
• Maintain a legal residence in Washington, or have a place of employment or practice within the state
• Not be disqualified under the disciplinary provisions of RCW 42.45.210 or RCW 18.235.130

Washington dropped the U.S. citizenship requirement effective July 1, 2024, under House Bill 1889. Non-citizens who meet all other qualifications can apply. If you don't have a Social Security Number, leave that field blank on the application.

There is no state exam, no mandatory education course, and no minimum training hours. The DOL recommends voluntary training, but it's not a condition of commissioning.

Financial Requirements

$10,000 surety bond — mandatory for both initial applications and renewals. Premium: $30 to $60 for a four-year term. The bond protects the public, not you. Your commission term is tied to your bond's active dates.

Application fee — $40 for a base commission, or $55 if you add the electronic records endorsement at the same time. Renewal fee is $42 (base) or $57 (base + electronic endorsement).

Optional print fee — $5 if you want the DOL to mail a physical commission certificate. Printing from your SAW account is free.

Application Requirements

Three documents submitted together:

1. Completed application form (online through SAW or paper by mail)
2. Signed $10,000 surety bond (physically signed, not digital)
3. Notarized Oath of Office (Form NP-659-009, administered by an existing Washington notary)

All three documents must use the same exact name — your intended commission name. Mismatches between the oath, bond, and application cause processing delays.

Stamp Requirements (WAC 308-30-070)

Can only be ordered after your commission is approved. Must display:

• "Notary Public" and "State of Washington"
• Your commissioned name (exact match)
• Commission number and expiration date
• Minimum 8-point font, permanent smear-resistant ink
• Circular (min 1-5/8" diameter) or rectangular (min 1" × 1-5/8")
• Must not include the Washington State Seal

Journal Requirements (WAC 308-30-200)

• Permanently bound book with pre-numbered pages
• One active journal at a time (electronic journal allowed only as a duplicate)
• Stored in a secure, locked location under your exclusive personal control
• Retained for 10 years after the last entry
• Location must be reported to the DOL if you resign your commission

Commission Term

Up to four years, expiring on the surety bond's expiration date if that date comes first. Renewals are accepted up to 120 days before expiration. A lapsed commission cannot be renewed — you reapply as a new applicant.

For the complete requirements checklist, compliance timeline, and endorsement pathways, get the Washington notary commission guide.

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