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Washington Notary Bond$10,000 • 4-Year Term

Get your Washington notary bond instantly. Required for all notaries in the Evergreen State. No exam or mandatory education. Download your certificate in minutes.

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$10,000 bond required by Washington
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Quick Answer

According to RCW 42.45.050, Washington requires a $10,000 surety bond. Most applicants receive instant approval with no credit check. The bond covers both traditional and electronic notarizations.

What Are the Washington Notary Requirements?

Simple Requirements

  • No examination required
  • Education optional (but recommended)
  • Flexible residency (work OR live in WA)
  • 5-year criminal background lookback

Application Process

  • Must be 18+ and read/write English
  • Post $10,000 surety bond
  • Submit bond with application
  • Bond term = commission term

Washington's Streamlined Process: Unlike many states, Washington does not require an exam or mandatory education, making it one of the most accessible notary markets. The $10,000 bond covers both traditional and electronic notarizations. Similar to contractor license bonds and probate bonds, notary bonds protect the public from financial losses.

How to Become a Washington Notary

1

Verify

Check eligibility requirements

2

Bond

Get $10,000 bond

3

Apply

Submit to WA Dept of Licensing

4

Start

Receive commission & begin

Washington Notary Markets

Puget Sound Region

Seattle/King County: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing headquarters. Tech M&A documents, stock options, employment contracts. Highest notary demand in state.

Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett: Tech hubs, Port of Tacoma international trade documents, aerospace manufacturing. Strong real estate markets.

Vancouver/Portland Metro: Cross-border commuters can become WA notaries if they work in state. No residency requirement.

Eastern Washington

Spokane: Healthcare, mining, education sectors. Lower competition than Seattle with steady institutional demand.

Tri-Cities: Hanford Site federal contractors, agricultural operations, wine industry documents.

Yakima, Wenatchee: Agricultural business, fruit exporters, farm succession planning, international trade documents.

Washington Notary Bond FAQs

Is a notary bond required in Washington State?
According to RCW 42.45.050, Washington requires a $10,000 notary bond. This one-time premium covers your entire commission period. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.
How much does a Washington notary bond cost?
Washington notary bonds typically cost between $50-100 for the 4-year term. We offer competitive rates with instant approval. The exact cost may vary by bonding company, but most Washington notaries pay around $50-75 for their bond.
Is an exam required for Washington notaries?
No, Washington does not require a written examination for notary applicants. The Washington Department of Licensing strongly recommends completing optional notary education to understand your duties and responsibilities, but it is not mandatory.
Can I get a Washington notary bond if I work but don't live in Washington?
Yes! Washington allows non-residents to become notaries if they have a place of employment or practice in Washington. You don't need to be a Washington resident as long as you work in the state. This is particularly common in the Portland-Vancouver metro area.
How long is a Washington notary commission valid?
Washington notary commissions are valid for 4 years. The expiration date of your notary license is based on the expiration date of your surety bond. You must renew your bond before your commission expires to continue serving as a notary.
What education is recommended for Washington notaries?
While not required, the Washington Department of Licensing strongly urges applicants to take a notary education course to clearly understand the laws, duties, and responsibilities of being a notary public. Several approved education providers offer courses covering Washington notary law and best practices.
How do I file my Washington notary bond?
You must submit an electronic copy of your signed $10,000 surety bond with your online application to the Washington Department of Licensing. For paper applications, include a physical copy of your signed bond.
Do I need a separate bond for electronic notarization in Washington?
No, the same $10,000 bond covers both traditional and electronic notarization in Washington. However, you must register separately with the Department of Licensing to perform remote online notarizations (RON).
What disqualifies someone from becoming a Washington notary?
Washington disqualifies applicants who have been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within the past five years. Other criminal convictions may also be disqualifying depending on the nature of the offense.
What's the difference between a notary bond and E&O insurance in Washington?
The $10,000 bond is required and protects the public—you must reimburse the surety company for any claims paid. E&O insurance is optional and protects you personally—the insurance company pays claims without requiring reimbursement (except for fraud). Most professional notaries carry both.
Can I renew my Washington notary commission early?
Yes, Washington allows notaries to renew their commission before expiration. It's recommended to begin the renewal process several months before your commission expires to ensure continuity of service.
What happens if my Washington notary bond expires?
If your notary bond expires, your notary commission becomes invalid, and you cannot legally perform notarizations. The expiration date of your license is directly tied to your bond's expiration date, so it's critical to renew your bond before it expires.

Other State Notary Bonds

California
$15,000
4 years
Oregon
$10,000
4 years
Idaho
$10,000
6 years
Nevada
$10,000
4 years
Texas
$10,000
4 years
Florida
$7,500
4 years
Pennsylvania
$10,000
4 years
Arizona
$5,000
4 years
View All State Notary Bonds

Official Washington Notary Resources

Washington Department of Licensing

Official notary requirements, applications, and bond filing procedures.

U.S. Treasury Surety Bond Program

Official list of Treasury-certified surety companies.

Official Washington Requirements

"Washington law requires notary publics to obtain a surety bond in the amount of $10,000 to protect the public from financial loss due to notarial misconduct."
Washington Department of Licensing • RCW 42.45.050
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