How to Become a Washington Notary in 2026: Cost, Bond & the DOL Process

This guide is educational and informational, not legal advice. Washington notary rules are set in RCW 42.45 and administered by the Department of Licensing, and can change, so confirm the details with the Department before you apply. We link to official resources; we never sell or submit applications.

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What does it cost to become a notary in Washington?

Becoming a Washington notary usually costs $95 to $135, with no exam or course fees. The fixed state charge is the $40 application fee, plus $15 if you add the electronic notarization endorsement. The rest is the $10,000 bond premium, the cost to have your oath notarized, and your stamp and journal. Tick what applies and the checklist totals it live.

How do you become a notary in Washington?

You become a Washington notary by getting bonded, notarizing your oath, and applying to the Department of Licensing. The steps, in order, are:

1. Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18, lawfully present in the U.S. with an SSN or ITIN, able to read and write English, and a Washington resident or worker.
2. Buy a $10,000 surety bond for four years. Purchase the bond before applying, and make sure it covers a full four years so your commission does too.
3. Get your Oath of Office notarized. Complete the Oath of Office form and have a current Washington notary notarize your signature.
4. Apply to the Department of Licensing with the $40 fee. File online through the SecureAccess Washington portal or by mail, attaching a copy of your bond.
5. Get your stamp and journal. After about four weeks the Department mails your certificate; then buy a compliant stamp and a journal before you notarize.

Why does your bond term set your commission length?

In Washington your commission is only valid for as long as your surety bond, so a shorter bond means a shorter commission. If you buy a two-year bond, your commission expires in two years even though Washington commissions can run four, which is a costly mistake because you would pay to reapply early. Always buy a four-year $10,000 bond so you get the full four-year term, and check that the dates on your bond match what you expect before you file.

Who handles notary applications in Washington?

The Washington State Department of Licensing handles notary commissions, not the Secretary of State, which surprises applicants who come from other states. There is no county step either: you apply directly to the Department, it reviews your application and bond, and it mails your certificate to you. That makes Washington one of the more centralized states, since the same agency that licenses drivers also commissions notaries.

What are the requirements to become a Washington notary?

The Washington requirements are light because it is not an exam state. You must be at least 18, able to read and write English, lawfully present in the United States with a Social Security number or ITIN, and either a Washington resident or someone who works in the state. There is no course or test for a traditional commission, but you must carry the $10,000 bond, keep a journal of every notarial act, and use a compliant stamp that shows your name without initials.

How do you renew or notarize online in Washington?

You renew by submitting a renewal application to the Department of Licensing before your commission expires, with a fresh $10,000 bond and the $42 renewal fee, and there is no exam to renew. To notarize electronically or remotely you add an electronic notarization endorsement for $15, then email the Department the name of your approved remote platform to enable remote online notarization. Both endorsements ride on your active commission, so renew them together.

Published June 13, 2026 by the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Washington State Department of Licensing, Notaries Public; Revised Code of Washington 42.45 and 42.44; and Washington Administrative Code 308-30. Confirm current fees and steps with the Department of Licensing before applying.