How to become a notary in washington state?

By HotBotUpdated: September 5, 2024

Answer

Introduction to Becoming a Notary in Washington State

Becoming a notary in Washington State is a valuable way to serve your community, enhance your professional credentials, and supplement your income. A notary public acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, ensuring that these documents are authentic and executed without duress or fraud. The process of becoming a notary in Washington State involves several steps, including meeting eligibility requirements, completing an application, obtaining a surety bond, and passing an exam. Below is a detailed guide on how to navigate this process.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set forth by Washington State. The basic requirements include:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: You must be a resident of Washington State or have a place of employment or practice in the state.
Legal Standing: You must not have had a notary commission revoked in the past five years and should not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit in the last ten years.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Complete a Notary Public Education Course

While Washington State does not mandate a formal training course, it is highly advisable to complete one. Courses are available through various providers and can be taken online or in-person. These courses cover essential topics such as:

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The role and responsibilities of a notary
Notarial acts and procedures
State laws and regulations
Ethical considerations

Obtain a Surety Bond

Washington State requires applicants to obtain a $10,000 surety bond. This bond serves as a financial guarantee that you will perform your notarial duties ethically and in accordance with the law. You can purchase a surety bond from a licensed insurance or bonding company. Be sure to keep the original bond form, as you will need to submit it with your application.

Fill Out and Submit the Application

You can obtain the Notary Public Application form from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) website. The application form will require you to provide personal information, including:

Full name
Residential address
Contact information
Employer information (if applicable)

You will also need to sign an oath of office, affirming your commitment to ethically perform your duties as a notary public.

Pay the Application Fee

The application fee for becoming a notary public in Washington State is $30. Payment can be made online through the DOL website or by mail with a check or money order.

Pass the Notary Public Exam

Washington State requires applicants to pass a notary public exam. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of notarial laws, procedures, and ethical responsibilities. You can find study materials and sample questions on the DOL website. The exam is administered online and can be taken at your convenience.

Submit Your Application and Bond

Once you have completed the application form, obtained your surety bond, and passed the exam, you will need to submit your application package to the DOL. Be sure to include:

Completed application form
Original surety bond form
Proof of passing the exam
Application fee payment

You can submit your application package online or by mail to the DOL office.

Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate

After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive your Notary Commission Certificate from the DOL. This certificate will include your commission number, which you will need to use when performing notarial acts. Keep this certificate in a safe place, as you may need to present it upon request.

Acquire Notary Supplies

Once you have your Notary Commission Certificate, you will need to purchase notary supplies, including:

Notary Seal: A stamp or embosser that includes your name, commission number, and the words "Notary Public" and "State of Washington."
Notary Journal: A record book in which you will record all notarial acts you perform. The journal should include spaces for the date, type of document, names of the parties involved, and any other pertinent information.

Begin Performing Notarial Acts

With your Notary Commission Certificate and supplies in hand, you are now ready to begin performing notarial acts. These acts may include:

Taking acknowledgments
Administering oaths and affirmations
Witnessing signatures
Certifying copies of documents

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and procedures for each type of notarial act, as well as any state laws and regulations that govern your duties.

Maintain Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission in Washington State is valid for four years. To maintain your commission, you will need to:

Keep accurate records of all notarial acts in your notary journal
Renew your commission before it expires by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee
Complete any required continuing education courses

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of your commission and the inability to perform notarial acts.

Unique Considerations and Rarely Known Details

While the above steps cover the essential process of becoming a notary in Washington State, there are several unique considerations and lesser-known details to be aware of:

Remote Notarization: Washington State allows for remote notarization, where notarial acts can be performed using audio-visual technology. This can be particularly useful for notaries who serve clients who are unable to be physically present.
Electronic Notarization: In addition to traditional paper notarization, Washington State permits electronic notarization, where documents are notarized in a digital format. This requires additional authorization and specific electronic notarial tools.
Specialized Notary Services: Some notaries choose to specialize in certain types of notarizations, such as real estate transactions, legal documents, or healthcare directives. Specialization can set you apart and attract a specific clientele.

As you embark on your journey to become a notary in Washington State, consider these unique aspects and how they might enhance your notarial practice.