Washington Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my Washington State Notary Commission be valid?
Your Washington State Notary Commission will be valid for four years.
How do I renew my Washington State notary commission?
Washington has no automatic renewal process, so you must reapply in order to renew your notary commission.
When should I renew my Washington State notary commission?
It is recommended that you start the renewal process 2 months before your current notary commission expires.
Do I need to take a course to become a Washington state notary?
No, there is no education required to become a Washington state notary.
Do I need to send the state my application?
Yes. After you send a copy of your application to us at Notary of America and receive your state-required $10,000 surety bond, you must send the application to the state, long with the bond and a $30.00 state filing fee.
When will I receive my Notary commission certificate?
The state is responsible for sending your Notary commission certificate, which you will receive within 3-4 weeks after submitting your application.
Do I need to send Notary of America a copy of my notary commission certificate?
Yes. For Notary of America to make your self-inking seal stamp, you must send a copy through a fax or scan of your notary commission certificate.
How long will it take for me to receive my stamp?
After Notary of America receives a copy of your notary commission certificate, it will take around 10 business days for you to receive your stamp.
What is the difference between the notary bond and Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance?
The State of Washington requires all notaries to hold a $10,000 Notary Bond, which is also called a surety bond, as this protects the state and companies against any mistakes the notary might make. However, the $10,000 surety bond does not protect the Washington state notary. What protects the Washington state notary is E&O Insurance.