Notary Public in Washington
Browse 153 cities in Washington to find a notary public near you.
Washington State notaries are appointed by the Secretary of State and serve a 4-year commission. The Seattle metro area's extremely active real estate market and thriving tech sector make it one of the strongest markets for mobile notaries and loan signing agents on the West Coast, and Washington permits remote online notarization for added flexibility. The fee cap is $15 per signature, among the higher caps nationally. Washington requires a $10,000 bond for new notaries, with no training course or exam mandated.
Is this notary really commissioned?
Anyone can claim to be a notary. Before you rely on one for an important document, it costs nothing to check that their commission is real, active, and hasn't expired.
Washington notaries are commissioned by the Washington Department of Licensing, which provides a free public commission lookup.
Verify a Washingtonnotary's commission →What you can legally be charged
As of July 2026, Washington law caps the fee a notary can charge for a standard notarial act at $15 per notarial act (plus a travel fee if the signer agrees in advance). A notary who charges more than the legal maximum for a standard act is breaking the law — you're entitled to ask what they charge before they begin.
What to expect
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID — the notary can't proceed without one.
- Your notary is required to record the transaction in a journal — expect to sign it and provide some basic details.
- Every document is marked with the notary's official stamp or seal, confirming the notarization is complete.
Remote Online Notarization
Washington has adopted RON — documents can be notarized over a live video call.
Full RON details →For aspiring notaries
Becoming a notary in Washington
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Surety bond | $10,000 bond required |
| Training course | Not required |
| State exam | Not required |
Total cost to become a notary in Washington typically runs $150–$175, covering the application, bond, and supplies.
Full guide to becoming a notary →Sourced from the National Notary Association, verified July 2026. Confirm current requirements with the Washington Department of Licensing.