The Specifications for Your Washington State Notary Public Seal's Design
In some states, you must keep a formal record of your work as a notary, but in Washington it is not mandatory. However, the use of a Washington Notary Public stamp and seal is, and you should know the specifications your Washington Notary Public stamp and seal has to meet in order for it to be valid and accepted as an official mark.
When you have made the effort to become an official notary, one of the final steps in the process is to use a copy of your commission or certification to obtain a custom Washington Notary Public stamp and seal. This will appear on each document you validate or verify and it must contain very specific information (per state laws). This information includes:
- The title of "Notary Public"
- The name of the state written as "State of Washington"
- The date that your current commission expires
- Your full name as you were commissioned
According to the state law WAC 308-30-010, your seal must be 1 5/8 diameter if round or 1"x15/8" if rectangular, the type has to be 8pt or more, it will use indelible ink, it CANNOT feature the state seal, and it must be easily, photographically reproducible.
The notary is in charge of acquiring the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal and ensuring that it meets the state's laws and guidelines. However, it cannot be obtained without the individual already being commissioned.
Obtaining Your Washington State Notary Commission
To obtain a commission is not complicated and requires the completion of the appropriate application, offering evidence of the securing of a surety bond in $10k, and the submission of the appropriate fees. When this process is done, the certification is forwarded to the new notary, and they can then obtain the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal.
Something of interest to anyone who hopes to be a notary in Washington is that the state recommends the use of a notary education class to ensure proper performance of the duties of a
notary and proper use of the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal.This proves that the tasks are a bit more complex than many might think, and the approved education providers will be as important a professional resource as the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal.
When you do complete the proper application process and obtain any additional training, you can confidently use the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal. Because your term will run for four years, and because the guidelines indicate that the seal has to appear sharp and clear, you will want a high quality Washington Notary Public stamp and seal. It is important to work with a vendor or manufacturer with experience in making such devices.
Your Washington Notary Public stamp and seal is an important element in the work you will do as a notary. It has to be crafted to meet very specific guidelines, including the size of the words on the seal itself. Do not leave such details up to chance and be sure you are obtaining the seal from a qualified vendor. It is your mark of quality just as much as it is theirs, and you will want it to provide you with several years of dependable service.
Whether you are taking an acknowledgement, witnessing a signature, certifying a copy, taking verification of an oath or affirmation, making a note of protest, or certifying an event has occurred, you want your seal to show your commitment to a job well done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Washington Notary Public stamp and seal requirements?
A Washington Notary Public stamp and seal must include your full commissioned name, the words “Notary Public,” “State of Washington,” and your commission expiration date. It must be either round at 1 5/8 inches in diameter or rectangular at 1" x 1 5/8", use 8-point type or larger, and be made with indelible ink. It also cannot include the Washington state seal.
Do I need to be commissioned before ordering a Washington Notary stamp and seal?
Yes. In Washington, you must already be officially commissioned before you can obtain a Washington Notary Public stamp and seal. Your commission documentation is typically used to order a seal that matches state law and reflects your exact commission details.
What happens if my Washington Notary seal does not meet state law requirements?
If your Washington Notary Public stamp and seal is not compliant, notarizations may be rejected or questioned, which can create delays, liability, and possible disciplinary issues. A seal that is the wrong size, missing required wording, or not clearly reproducible may not be considered valid.
How long is a Washington Notary Public commission valid?
A Washington Notary Public commission is valid for four years. Because your commission expiration date must appear on your seal, you should make sure your stamp or seal matches your current commission term and is updated when you renew.
What are the most common mistakes with a Washington Notary stamp and seal?
Common mistakes include using the wrong seal size, leaving off required information, using a seal that is too light or blurry, choosing the wrong ink, or failing to update the expiration date after renewal. Another frequent issue is ordering from a vendor that does not understand Washington’s notary requirements.
How do I choose the best Washington Notary Public stamp and seal vendor?
Choose a vendor experienced in Washington notary supplies who can produce a seal that meets state specifications exactly. Look for high-quality construction, clear imprint results, and the ability to match your commissioned name and expiration date accurately so your Washington Notary Public stamp and seal stays compliant and professional.
