How to Become a Remote Online Notary in Washington (2026)

Overview

Washington commissions are 4-year terms. The RON application fee is just $10 – one of the lowest nationally. Washington’s population centers (Seattle metro, Spokane, Tacoma) provide strong RON demand, and once authorized, Washington RON notaries can serve signers anywhere in the country. The DOL portal distinction and the exam requirement are the two most important differentiators to understand before starting the Washington RON process.

Washington RON Legal Framework

Washington’s RON requirements under the Washington Electronic Notarization Act:

• Active Washington notary commission (4-year term) issued by the Department of Licensing
• $10,000 surety bond plus oath of office required for the traditional commission
• $40 traditional commission application fee to the DOL
• Completion of a state-approved RON training course
• Pass a state-approved exam (in addition to training – score requirement applies)
• RON authorization application submitted to and approved by the Department of Licensing
• $10 RON application fee
• Use of a DOL-approved RON platform
• Two-way real-time audio-visual communication for every remote session
• Identity verification using credential analysis and/or KBA
• Electronic journal entry required per notarial act
• Audio-visual recording retained per state requirements

Washington’s Required Exam: One of the Few States That Mandates It

Washington requires passing a state-approved exam as part of the RON authorization process – separate from and in addition to completing the training course. States that require an exam for RON authorization include Washington, Arkansas, and North Carolina (for the eNotary track). Most other states only require training completion without a separate exam. For Washington:

• You must complete the approved training course first
• Then pass the state-approved exam – the score requirement applies
• Both the training completion and exam passage are required before the RON application to the DOL
• Verify the current exam format, passing score, and approved exam provider at dol.wa.gov/notary

Washington’s DOL: Not the Secretary of State

Washington State notary commissions and RON authorization are administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL), not the Secretary of State’s office. This is one of only a few states (along with Wisconsin’s DFI) that routes notary administration through a non-SoS agency. When searching for Washington notary applications, RON forms, or renewal information:

• Go to dol.wa.gov/notary – not the Washington Secretary of State’s website
• Commission applications, RON authorization, and renewals are all through the DOL
• The $40 commission application fee and $10 RON application fee are both paid to the DOL

Washington’s $10 RON Application Fee: Among the Lowest

Despite requiring a training course, exam, and $10,000 commission bond, Washington’s RON application fee is just $10 – among the lowest nationally. This is offset by the $40 commission application fee, but the RON-specific step is inexpensive. Compare:

• Washington RON application: $10
• Tennessee RON registration: $50
• Pennsylvania RON license: $42
• Nevada RON application: $25

Washington’s $10,000 Bond Requirement

Washington requires a $10,000 surety bond for the traditional notary commission, submitted with the commission application to the DOL. A notarized oath of office is also required. Annual premium for a $10,000 bond runs $50-$100. The bond covers all notarial conduct including RON activities. Verify current requirements at dol.wa.gov/notary.

Washington-Approved RON Platforms

Washington requires use of a DOL-approved RON platform. Platforms approved for Washington RON include:

• Notarize (Proof) – high consumer session volume, strong Pacific Northwest market
• NotaryLive – scheduling and session management
• DocVerify – enterprise and financial document workflows
• SIGNiX – mortgage and title company integrations
• Pavaso – real estate closing focus

Verify the current DOL-approved list at dol.wa.gov/notary before applying.

Common Mistakes Washington RON Notaries Make

• Applying through the Washington Secretary of State – Washington uses the Department of Licensing
• Completing training but not taking the state-approved exam – both are required
• Not having the $10,000 bond and oath of office in place for the commission application
• Using a platform not on Washington’s DOL-approved list
• Performing remote sessions before receiving DOL authorization

Before You Start

Washington RON requires DOL authorization before any remote session. Secure the $10,000 bond, complete the DOL commission application, complete the approved training course, pass the state-approved exam, submit the RON application with the $10 fee, and wait for authorization. Official reference: Washington Department of Licensing – Notary.

FAQ