2026-09-28 · 8 min read

How to Become a Notary Signing Agent in Washington: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Washington runs its notary program through the Department of Licensing (not the Secretary of State), and it's one of the simpler commissions to get: no exam, no training course, no oath of office. Here's the full process — then what turns a Washington notary into a loan signing agent.

Step 1: Confirm you qualify

• At least 18 years old
• A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• A Washington resident, or employed / maintaining a practice in Washington
• Able to read and write English
• No disqualifying criminal history — fraud- and dishonesty-related offenses are reviewed case by case

Step 2: Get your $10,000 bond

Obtain a $10,000 surety bond from a surety company licensed in Washington. The bond premium typically runs $35–$55 for the four-year term — you pay only the premium, not the $10,000.

One Washington quirk worth knowing: your commission expiration is tied to your bond's expiration date, so buy a bond that covers the full four-year term or your commission will end early.

Step 3: Apply through the Department of Licensing

Apply online through the DOL (via Secure Access Washington). Submit proof of your bond and pay the $30 application fee. There is no exam and no training requirement, and unlike most states, Washington does not require an oath of office.

Commission term: up to 4 years (capped by your bond's expiration date).

Step 4: Get your seal and journal

Seal/stamp (required): Order from any office-supply vendor once commissioned.

Journal (required): Washington requires a journal for every notarial act — and the state is strict about retention, so keep your journals for years after your commission ends.

Washington caps fees per notarial act by statute — check the current DOL fee schedule before setting your prices.

From Washington notary to signing agent

Washington has no separate state signing-agent certification — the commission above is the legal credential. But the companies that hire signing agents (lenders, title companies, signing services) operate on industry credentials: training certification plus background screening.

To work as a signing agent in Washington, add:

• Background screening (the NNA's screening is the industry standard; ~$60–$80/year)
• Signing agent training on loan documents — see the startup cost breakdown and our Loan Signing System review
• E&O insurance — not required by the state, but required by most hiring companies
• A dual-tray laser printer and the rest of the mobile notary kit

Washington is also a strong RON state: remote online notarization has been authorized since 2020. The DOL also offers an electronic records notary endorsement (a $45 add-on at application) for notaries who want to perform electronic notarizations — a real second revenue channel. Compare the two paths in our signing agent vs. general notary income guide.

Cost summary

Requirements from the Washington Department of Licensing (WAC 308-30), verified September 2026. Confirm against dol.wa.gov before applying.