6 Steps To Notary Application In Washington

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Becoming a notary public in Washington state is a relatively straightforward process that involves several steps. Notaries play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of documents and preventing fraud. If you're interested in becoming a notary public in Washington, here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying to become a notary public in Washington, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the state. These requirements include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Being a resident of Washington state
• Being able to read and write English
• Not having been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or moral turpitude

Additional Requirements

In addition to the eligibility requirements, you must also:

• Not have had a notary public commission revoked or suspended in the past
• Not have been adjudged incapacitated or incompetent

Step 2: Complete the Notary Education Course

The state of Washington requires all notary public applicants to complete a 6-hour notary education course approved by the Secretary of State. The course covers topics such as notary laws, ethics, and procedures.

Approved Education Providers

You can find a list of approved education providers on the Secretary of State's website. Some popular providers include:

• The National Notary Association
• The American Society of Notaries
• The Notary Public Education Program

Step 3: Pass the Notary Exam

After completing the notary education course, you must pass a notary exam administered by the Secretary of State. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as notary laws, ethics, and procedures.

Exam Format

The exam is administered online and can be taken at any time. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam, and you must score at least 80% to pass.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have passed the notary exam, you can submit your application to become a notary public in Washington state. You can submit your application online or by mail.

Required Documents

You will need to provide the following documents with your application:

• A completed notary public application form
• A copy of your notary education course certificate
• A copy of your notary exam results
• A $30 application fee

Step 5: Take the Oath of Office

After your application has been approved, you will need to take the oath of office. You can take the oath of office at any time, but it must be taken before you can begin notarizing documents.

Oath of Office Ceremony

The oath of office ceremony is typically conducted by a notary public or a county clerk. You will be required to swear an oath to faithfully discharge the duties of a notary public.

Step 6: File Your Commission

After taking the oath of office, you will need to file your commission with the county clerk's office. You will need to provide a copy of your notary public commission certificate and a $10 filing fee.

Commission Certificate

Your notary public commission certificate will be mailed to you after your application has been approved. You can also download a copy of your certificate from the Secretary of State's website.

By following these six steps, you can become a notary public in Washington state. Remember to complete the notary education course, pass the notary exam, submit your application, take the oath of office, and file your commission with the county clerk's office.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the notary application process in Washington. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

Now, we'd like to hear from you. Have you gone through the notary application process in Washington? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below.