Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To become a notary in Washington, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be a legal resident of Washington or have a principal place of business in the state
Be able to read and write English
Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude
Step 2: Complete the Required Education
Washington requires all notary applicants to complete a 3-hour education course before applying for a commission. The course covers the duties and responsibilities of a notary public, as well as the laws and regulations governing notaries in Washington.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the education course, you can apply for a notary commission through the Washington Secretary of State’s office. The application fee is $30, and you will need to provide proof of completion of the education course.
Step 4: Obtain Your Notary Bond and Seal
After your application is approved, you will need to obtain a $10,000 surety bond and a notary seal. The bond protects the public from any errors or omissions you may make as a notary, while the seal is used to authenticate your notarial acts.
Step 5: Take the Oath of Office
Before you can begin performing notarial acts, you must take an oath of office before a notary public or other authorized official. You will also need to file your oath of office with the county clerk’s office in the county where you reside.
How to Become a Certified Notary Signing Agent in Washington?
A certified notary signing agent (CNSA) is a notary who has received additional training and certification to specialize in loan document signings. To become a CNSA in Washington, you must:
- Be a commissioned notary public in good standing
- Complete a training course approved by the National Notary Association or another approved provider
- Pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge of loan document signings
- Obtain a $25,000 surety bond
- Purchase a notary errors and omissions insurance policy
In conclusion, becoming a notary in Washington requires completing an education course, submitting an application, obtaining a bond and seal, taking an oath of office, and meeting eligibility requirements. Additionally, becoming a certified notary signing agent requires additional training and certification. The process can take several weeks to complete, but it can be a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy working with legal documents and helping others.
