Everything Required for Your Application to Become A Washington State Notary Public
In many states, it is the Secretary of State who issues or appoints notaries. For the state of Washington, though, it is the Department of Licensing from which a notary obtains their commission. However, that is where the biggest differences occur and the remaining steps, details, and requirements for Washington notaries are quite similar to those of other states, including the Washington notary supplies required.
If we look at the requirements of notaries as part of their Washington notary supplies, we see that a notary in that state will have to first meet all of the qualifications. They can then obtain their application from the Department of Licensing website. There are some fees associated with the application process, but key among the first of your essential Washington notary supplies is the purchasing of a notary or surety bond. For those who want to serve as notaries in Washington, you must offer evidence of a notary bond in the amount of $10k along with the application for a commission.
With those items submitted, you will then be granted a commission to serve as a notary in the state. The term runs for four years, and then you must renew the application. When you do apply and receive a commission (whether new or a renewal) you will also receive a Notary Certificate.
This too has to be counted among the essential Washington notary supplies, because without it you cannot obtain your most important supply - your seal.
The Official State Guidelines for the Design of Your Seal
Notaries in the state of Washington are given very serious duties, but none of them can be accomplished without the most significant and relevant of all Washington notary supplies - an official notary seal. This is something that has to be crafted to meet the state guidelines, which include:
- It can be a stamp or seal
- It must be photographically reproducible
- It must print very clearly and legibly
- It will feature your title written as "Notary Public"
- It must feature the state's name printed as "State of Washington"
- It must feature the surname of the notary, as commissioned (along with the first and middle initials or the complete name of the notary, as commissioned)
- It must state the expiration date of the current commission
- There are no specific size guidelines, though the criteria do indicate that the director of the Department of Licensing can establish the sizes
You cannot obtain a seal without your certificate, thus it is of the utmost importance to first receive the commission and certification, and then purchase this most important of the Washington notary supplies with the proper details. Remember that your commission will expire, and a new seal is going to be necessary at that point in time. This is why it is important to find a high quality maker of Washington notary supplies right from the state.
Will there be other Washington notary supplies that you require? By law, you don't need any other Washington notary supplies. However, as in many states it is necessary to note each of the notarial acts you perform in what is described as a journal or record book. Washington state does not mandate that you do this, but when you realize how many actions you may perform, it makes sense to count a formal journal among your commonly used Washington notary supplies.
The Official Duties and Responsibilities of a Washington State Notary Public
Consider that, as a notary, you are authorized to:
- Administer oaths
- Certify copies
- Certify the occurrence of an event
- Take acknowledgements
- Administer affirmations
- Attest copies
- Certify that an act has been performed
- Execute protests
- Take verifications upon oaths/affirmations
- Witness and attest signatures
This list demonstrates a high level of responsibility, and you will want to be sure that you keep a journal of some kind among your Washington notary supplies in the event of any questions or issues relating to your work should arise. Finding high quality suppliers of Washington notary supplies are a part of the responsibility of being a notary, and will help you to do the work properly and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Washington notary supplies are required to become a Washington State notary public?
To become a Washington State notary public, the essential supplies include a completed application, a $10,000 notary bond, a commission from the Washington Department of Licensing, and an official notary seal that meets state requirements.
Is a notary journal required in Washington State?
A notary journal is not legally required in Washington State, but it is strongly recommended. Many notaries use a journal to track acknowledgments, affidavits, oaths, and other notarizations for recordkeeping and protection if questions arise later.
What information must be included on a Washington notary seal?
A Washington notary seal must clearly show “Notary Public,” “State of Washington,” the notary’s name as commissioned, and the expiration date of the current commission. It must also be photographically reproducible and legible.
How much is the notary bond required for a Washington notary commission?
Washington requires a $10,000 notary bond as part of the commission application. This bond is one of the first required Washington notary supplies and must be submitted with your application.
When do I need to replace my Washington notary seal?
You should replace your Washington notary seal whenever your commission expires or if your name, commission details, or expiration date changes. A new seal is needed for each new commission term to stay compliant.
Where do Washington State notaries get their commission?
Washington notaries receive their commission through the Washington Department of Licensing, not the Secretary of State. After approval, you will receive your commission and notary certificate, which you need before ordering your official seal.
