Learn the requirements and how to apply for a notary public license.
You must be licensed to witness and verify the identities of individuals during document signing.
Follow the steps below to get your notary public license.
To get a notary public license, you must be:
You can apply online or by mail.
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Mail a completed Notary Public Commission Application, a copy of your signed surety bond (don't send the Errors and Omissions policy), and a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the application fee to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777
You can add an electronic notary endorsement when you apply for a new commission or when you renew your current commission.
To add an electronic notary endorsement any other time:
Mail a completed Notary Public Electronic Notarization Endorsement Application, the name of your electronic notary software, and a check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the endorsement fee to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777
If you already have an electronic records notary endorsement, you can apply to perform remote notary endorsement. Email us at notaries@dol.wa.gov to request this endorsement and include the name of your remote notarization software in the email. You can also send your request by mail to:
Notary Public Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3917
Seattle, WA 98124-3917
Wait until we've issued approval before remotely notarizing signatures.
You can order a stamp from your bonding company or any stamp provider such as an office supply store.
By law, the vendor must see a copy of your notary license before making your stamp or seal. If they don't ask, they're not a reputable vendor and you should go to another vendor.
Your notary stamp must meet Washington legal requirements for content and size:
You must keep a physical journal of all your notarizations. You may also keep an electronic journal for your own records, but it can't replace the physical book.
The journal must be:
Journal entries must be made at the time of the notarization and include:
If you resign your commission, or if you're suspended or revoked, you must tell us where the journal is located.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest rule changes and licensing updates by email.
Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. Learn more about using your military training to meet professional license requirements.
If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. Learn more about getting reimbursed for fees.