Steps to Become a Notary in Washington State

  • Mulki Sulaeman
  • May 25, 2023
Steps to Become a Notary in Washington State

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a public officer who is authorized to serve as a witness to the signing of legal documents and administering oaths. They act as an impartial third-party to deter fraud and assure that the document being signed is authentic.

In Washington State, becoming a notary public is a straightforward process. You have to meet some eligibility requirements and complete some training. The requirements and qualifications to become a notary public in Washington state are:

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can become a Washington State Notary Public, you must meet these eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Be able to speak, read, and write in English
  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be a resident of Washington state or have a place of employment or practice in Washington state.
  • Never have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, such as fraud or larceny.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you can start the process of becoming a notary public.

Training Requirement

Washington State requires that you complete a commission-approved Notary Public Training Course before being commissioned. You can choose to attend an online course or an in-person course.

The course covers the legal duties and responsibilities of a notary public. The topics typically covered in the training include:

  • The role of a notary public
  • Types of notarizations
  • How to handle sensitive documents
  • Being able to recognize an identification card
  • Dealing with certification and notarization of vital documents

It is important to note that you must complete the training no more than six months before the submission of your application.

Application Process

Once you have met the eligibility requirements and completed the notary public training, it’s time to complete your application.

You can apply for a notary commission via the Secretary of State’s website. The application will include personal information, such as your name, address, and contact information. The application also requires you to disclose any previous convictions of a crime involving moral turpitude.

The application fee for a Notary Public commission is $30. It is a one-time fee that includes a $10,000 surety bond and your four-year commission.

After your application has been submitted, it will take 10-15 business days for processing. If your application is approved, you will receive your commissioning certificate and Notary Public seal in the mail.

Conclusion

Becoming a notary public in Washington State is an easy process. You only need to meet eligibility requirements, complete an approved training course, and submit your application. Once you receive your commission, you can begin serving as a notary public, witnessing important legal documents and ensure their veracity.

Requirements to Become a Notary in Washington State

If you want to become a notary public in Washington State, you must meet the requirements set by the Washington State Department of Licensing. These requirements include:

Be 18 years of age or older

To become a notary public in Washington State, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age requirement to become a notary, and it is important that you meet this requirement before you begin the application process.

To be eligible for a notary public commission in Washington State, you must be a legal resident of the state. You must be able to provide proof of your residency, such as a driver’s license or a utility bill.

No felony convictions or disqualifications

In order to become a notary public in Washington State, you must not have a felony conviction or any disqualifications listed in state law. These disqualifications include, but are not limited to, being a convicted felon or having been adjudicated mentally incompetent or insane.

Pass a notary education course

Washington State requires all notary public applicants to complete a notary education course before applying for a commission. The course must be taken from a Washington State Department of Licensing-approved provider. The course covers important topics such as the role of a notary public, notary ethics, and the laws and regulations that govern notary services.

Pass a notary exam

After completing the notary education course, you must pass a notary exam administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing. The exam tests your knowledge of notary practices and procedures, as well as your understanding of Washington State notary law.

Submit an application and fee

Once you have met all of the requirements for becoming a notary public in Washington State, you must submit an application and fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing. The application must include your notary education course completion certificate, proof of your residency, and a completed fingerprint card. You must also pay the application fee, which is $30 as of 2021.

If you meet all the requirements and successfully complete the application process, you will be issued a notary public commission by the Washington State Department of Licensing. With this commission in hand, you can begin providing notary services to the public in Washington State.

Steps to Become a Notary in Washington State

Becoming a notary in Washington State can open up many career opportunities, including working in banking, real estate, or legal industries. A notary is a public official who verifies signatures, witnesses oaths, and performs other legal acts. Here are the basic steps to become a notary in Washington State:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a notary in Washington State, you must first meet the basic requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Licensing:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a legal resident of Washington State
  • Be able to read and write in English
  • Never have been convicted of a felony
  • Not have had a notary commission revoked in another state

Make sure you meet these requirements before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Complete a Notary Education Course

You are required to complete a notary education course before applying for a notary commission in Washington State. The course is designed to educate you about notarial law and procedure and prepare you for your role as a notary public. You can find approved courses online or in-person.

Although it is not required by Washington State to take a notary exam, some approved notary education providers may administer a written exam to ensure you understand the material.

Step 3: Purchase a Surety Bond and File an Application

After completing the notary education course, you must purchase a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed insurance company. This bond is designed to protect the public in case of any mistakes or misconduct committed by the notary public.

Next, you must file an application with the Washington State Department of Licensing and provide the following documents:

  • Your notary education course completion certificate
  • Your $10,000 surety bond
  • A signed application with your photograph
  • A $30 filing fee

Your application will be processed within two to three weeks and, if approved, you will receive your notary commission certificate by mail.

Remember that being a notary public is a serious responsibility that requires attention to detail and knowledge of notarial law and protocol. By following these steps and being diligent in your duties, you can build a successful career as a notary public in Washington State.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary in Washington State?

Becoming a notary public in Washington State is an exciting opportunity to become an official witness and certify essential documents within the state. However, there are some associated costs that interested individuals should keep in mind when embarking on this endeavor. The cost to become a notary in Washington State consists of the application fee, supply costs, and the cost of taking and passing the required Notary Exam. The total cost of becoming a notary in Washington State ranges from $150 to $200.

First, aspiring notaries are required to take and pass the Notary Exam. The cost of the exam is $40 and includes a $30 exam fee and a $10 processing fee. Notaries should expect to pay this cost if they intend on becoming a Notary in Washington State.

Second, applicants must submit a completed Notary Public Application along with a $30 application fee. The application fee is non-refundable; therefore, applicants must ensure that they are fully eligible before submitting their application.

Third, supplies such as notary stamps and seals are a required part of the notary appointment process. Notary public seals and stamps must be obtained from a specified vendor and typically cost between $25 to $50. A notary public journal is also required, which is generally available for purchase through the same vendor as the notary seal.

Finally, the cost of obtaining background checks and fingerprinting can vary depending on the vendor selected to perform these services. Applicants should expect to pay between $35 to $50 to complete these requirements.

It is essential to note that notary public commissions are valid for four years. After completing all necessary requirements and becoming a notary in Washington State, notaries must pay a $30 renewal fee to maintain their commission. Therefore, applicants should factor this cost into their planning when considering becoming a notary.

In summary, the estimated cost of becoming a notary in Washington State ranges from $150 to $200. Applicants must budget for the application fee, supply costs, fingerprinting, background check, and the Notary Exam. However, becoming a notary in Washington State is a valuable investment that can provide a lucrative career opportunity for aspiring candidates.

Tips for Success as a Washington State Notary Public

If you are interested in becoming a notary public in the state of Washington, there are a few things you should know before diving in headfirst. Notaries serve as impartial witnesses and can perform a range of duties including administering oaths, certifying copies of documents, and verifying signatures. To be successful in this role, there are a few key tips you should keep in mind.

Educate Yourself on Washington State Notary Laws and Regulations

Before you can start working as a notary in Washington State, you need to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations governing this profession. The Washington State Department of Licensing provides detailed information about becoming a notary, including the qualifications and requirements for licensure. You must also take a notary public course and pass an exam administered by the Department of Licensing.

It is important to note that as a notary public in Washington State, you are not allowed to provide legal advice or services. You cannot provide notary services for your family members, and you must maintain a record of all notarial acts you perform.

Invest in the Right Tools and Technology

To be an effective notary public, you need to have access to the right tools and technology. This includes a notary stamp and seal, as well as high-quality printing equipment. You will also need to have a reliable internet connection and computer to access digital documents and complete electronic notarization.

You may also want to invest in Notary Signing Agent training, which can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to provide mobile notary services to clients. This can be a valuable addition to your notary practice, allowing you to reach a wider audience and offer more flexible services.

Build a Strong Reputation

As with any business, success as a notary public in Washington State largely depends on your reputation. You want to build a strong, trustworthy reputation in your community by providing exceptional service and maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times.

Make sure to maintain a professional appearance, be punctual for appointments, and respond promptly to client inquiries. Take the time to explain the notarization process to clients so they know what to expect, and always prioritize accuracy and attention to detail when verifying documents and signatures.

Network and Market Your Services

Finally, to be successful as a notary public in Washington State, you need to be proactive in marketing your services and building a network of potential clients.

Join online notary forums and groups, attend local business events and seminars, and make connections with attorneys, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents. Establishing relationships with these professionals can help you grow your business and maintain a steady stream of notarization work.

Consider leveraging social media and online advertising to promote your services and reach a wider audience. And don’t forget to update your business cards and website with your new notary public credentials!

With the right tools, knowledge, and determination, you can be a successful notary public in Washington State. By following these tips and investing in your education and marketing efforts, you can build a thriving notary practice and help meet the notarization needs of your community.

Related Post :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *