Become a Notary Public in the State of Washington

In the State of Washington, a notary public is any person who performs any of the following services, referred to as "notarial acts":

- Taking an acknowledgment
- Administering and taking verification upon administering an Oath or Affirmation
- Witnessing or attesting a signature
- Certifying or attesting a copy
- Receiving a protest of a negotiable instrument
- Certifying that an event has occurred or an act performed

While no formal training is required by Washington state to become a notary public, the Washington State Department of Licensing recommends certain private companies, like American Society of Notaries and National Notary Association, for notary public training which has been deemed suitable by the Department for notaries in Washington. Many notaries public choose to bypass formal training and learn how to witness, certify, attest and administer as necessary from more experienced notaries while on the job. Unless the newly licensed notary knows an experienced notary public that can serve as a mentor while the trade is learned, formal training is highly recommended.

As a notary public, clients will depend on services provided for personal, legal, and financial issues. If a notary public makes an error and certifies a document or signature the wrong way, the signature or document could become invalidated and unacceptable, adding unnecessary time and strain to whatever situation the client is attempting to resolve. For example, certain documents, like vital records, are not meant to be notarized and can only be authenticated by certain government agencies.

The only requirements that must be met to become a notary public in Washington, as of the date of this article, are a minimum age of 18, the ability to read and write English, residency or regular employment in Washington state, and a $10,000 surety bond issued by an insurance or bonding company. When the minimum requirements have been met, individuals interested in obtaining a notary public license must complete and submit an application for Notary Public Appointment, available on the Washington Department of Licensing website at www.DoL.WA.gov, pay the appropriate licensing fee, and provide a copy of the $10,000 surety bond.

A notary public license in Washington is valid for a period of four years, after which the license must be renewed by submitting an application for Notary Public Reappointment, paying a license renewal fee, and again providing a copy of the $10,000 surety bond.

In addition to the Notary Public License, any person performing business services for money must also acquire a business license from the Washington State Department of Licensing, the appropriate county licensing authority (if required), and the appropriate city or town licensing authority (if required) in the jurisdiction where the notary public establishes the business. Before embarking on the career of a notary public, individuals should check with their county registrar's office and local city hall to determine whether or not they are required to obtain local business licenses below the state level.

Sources:

How to Become a Notary Public. Washington State Department of Licensing.