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Notary public · Washington

How to become a notary in Washington: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Washington State Department of Licensing's own published requirements.

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Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Washington: Who can apply: At least 18; able to read and write English; living in Washington or with a place of employment or practice in Washington. A felony or gross misdemeanor relating to notary practice in the past 5 years could disqualify you; each case is reviewed individually. Training: No training class is required in Washington, though the Department strongly urges you to take one. Bond: A $10,000 surety bond. Commissions are issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Washington

Data
Washington notary public requirements (Washington State Department of Licensing)
RequirementWashington
Who can applyAt least 18; able to read and write English; living in Washington or with a place of employment or practice in Washington. A felony or gross misdemeanor relating to notary practice in the past 5 years could disqualify you; each case is reviewed individually.
TrainingNo training class is required in Washington, though the Department strongly urges you to take one.
ExamNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
BondA $10,000 surety bond.
Commission termNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
State feeNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Oath and filingHave your Oath of Office form notarized and submit it with the application.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Washington

Data
  1. Get your Oath of Office form notarized and your $10,000 surety bond signed.
  2. Apply online through SecureAccess Washington, or by mail, with the application fee.
  3. After you receive your commission, get a stamp or seal that meets Washington's requirements.
  4. Keep a physical, bound journal of all your notarizations.
Next

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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Washington?
To become a notary public in Washington: Who can apply: At least 18; able to read and write English; living in Washington or with a place of employment or practice in Washington. A felony or gross misdemeanor relating to notary practice in the past 5 years could disqualify you; each case is reviewed individually. Training: No training class is required in Washington, though the Department strongly urges you to take one. Bond: A $10,000 surety bond. Commissions are issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
How long is a notary commission in Washington?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Washington?
A $10,000 surety bond.
Is training required to become a notary in Washington?
No training class is required in Washington, though the Department strongly urges you to take one.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Washington State Department of Licensing's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Washington State Department of Licensing, Get your license: Notaries public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  2. Washington State Department of Licensing, Frequently asked questions: Notaries public, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.