The Enhanced Washington Notary Handbook
Washington notary law in plain English — your Department of Licensing commission and 4-year term, the $10,000 bond, the sized stamp specs (circular ≥1-5/8″ or rect 1×1-5/8″), the REQUIRED bound numbered journal, the $10 per-act cap, and Remote Online Notarization via Electronic Notary + RON endorsements — plus every RULONA short-form certificate and the tools to get paid. Fillable PDF, instant download.
Everything the State Doesn’t Spell Out
The law made simple, the forms you’ll actually use, and the business side handled — all in one download.
Washington Notary Law in Plain English
Your DOL commission and 4-year term, $10K bond, sized stamp specs, REQUIRED bound journal, fees, copies, RON endorsements, and the rules you can’t break.
Every RULONA Short Form
Washington’s acknowledgment, representative acknowledgment, jurat, signature witnessing, and copy certification.
The Sized Stamp Rule, Solved
WA stamps must meet exact size specs (circular ≥1-5/8″ or rect 1×1-5/8″, min 8-pt) under WAC 308-30-070. We make compliance easy.
Printable Notary Invoice
Bill within WA’s $10 per-act cap plus travel by agreement.
REQUIRED Bound Journal
WA requires a permanently bound book with numbered pages, inked entries. Binder-ready pages — use with a bound book.
30-Day Marketing Quick-Start
A commission doesn’t pay you — clients do. A week-by-week plan plus a glossary.
Enhanced Washington Notary Handbook
- Washington notary law in plain English (RCW Ch. 42.45)
- Acknowledgment, representative acknowledgment & jurat
- Signature witnessing & copy certification done the WA way
- Printable invoice ($10 cap + travel)
- Binder-ready REQUIRED journal pages
- 30-day marketing quick-start & glossary of terms
About the Enhanced Washington Notary Handbook
Washington’s notary law is the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), codified at RCW Chapter 42.45 with rules at WAC Chapter 308-30. Distinctively, the commissioning authority is the WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING (DOL) — not the Secretary of State. Term is 4 years; bond is $10,000; application is $40. The stamp must meet exact size specifications (circular at least 1-5/8 inches diameter, or rectangular 1 by 1-5/8 inches, with minimum 8-point type). A bound journal with numbered pages is REQUIRED. RON requires two endorsements: first an Electronic Notary Endorsement ($15), then a RON Endorsement (no additional fee).
Built on the Law — Not a Private Handbook
The explanations are written in our own words; the certificate forms are the short forms in RCW Chapter 42.45. You’ll learn what trips new Washington notaries up: that you’re commissioned by the Department of Licensing (NOT the SOS), the 4-year term, the $10,000 bond under RCW 42.45.200, the $40 application fee, the SIZED stamp requirement (circular at least 1-5/8″ diameter OR rectangular 1 × 1-5/8″, min 8-pt type) under WAC 308-30-070, the REQUIRED bound numbered journal with inked entries, the $10 per-act cap, and the Electronic Notary + RON Endorsement path for remote acts. It’s the reference you’ll keep open on your desk.
📝 Fillable & printable
Open it in the free Adobe Reader and type into the fields, or print the forms blank and complete them by hand. Works on PC, Mac, phone, or tablet — and it’s yours to reuse for your entire commission.
Who it’s for
Brand-new Washington notaries who want the law in plain English, mobile notaries leveling up, and loan signing agents who want the legal reference and the business forms together in one place.
How to use it
Read Part 1 to understand your duties fast, keep Part 2 handy as your certificate reference, print the Part 3 toolkit and journal pages for real jobs, and work the Part 4 marketing plan to start booking clients. Update and reprint anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notaries ask before downloading.
Is this the official Washington notary handbook?
No. This is an independently produced, enhanced study and reference guide. It is not the official Washington State Notary Public Guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the State of Washington or the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Who commissions Washington notaries?
Uniquely, the WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING (DOL) — not the Secretary of State — commissions Washington notaries. Apply through DOL’s online portal.
How long is a Washington notary commission, and what does it take?
A WA notary commission is 4 years. You must obtain a $10,000 surety bond (RCW 42.45.200), apply through the DOL for $40, and take the oath of office. There is no exam. Adding RON requires the Electronic Notary Endorsement ($15) then the RON Endorsement (no additional fee).
What must a Washington notary stamp include and what are the size rules?
Your stamp must show your name as commissioned, the words ‘Notary Public’ and ‘State of Washington,’ and your commission expiration. Under WAC 308-30-070 the stamp must be either CIRCULAR with minimum 1-5/8 inches diameter, OR RECTANGULAR with minimum dimensions of 1 inch by 1-5/8 inches, with minimum 8-point type.
Does Washington require a notary journal?
Yes. WA requires a journal of every notarial act — a permanently bound book with numbered pages, photographically reproducible, with inked entries. For RON acts, the journal is electronic and the AV recording must be retained.
What can a Washington notary charge per act?
WA caps notarial fees at $10 per traditional act. Travel may be agreed separately and disclosed in advance. Confirm current RON fee caps with the DOL.
Legal Disclaimer: The Enhanced Washington Notary Handbook is an independently produced study and reference guide. It is not the official Washington State Notary Public Guide and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the State of Washington or the Washington State Department of Licensing. Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers is a nonlawyer document preparation service, not a law firm; this handbook is for education and reference only, is not legal advice, and using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Washington notary law can change — always confirm current requirements with the Washington State Department of Licensing, and consult a licensed attorney for legal questions.
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