So You Wanna Be a Notary Ninja? Your Guide to Getting Licensed in Washington State
Ever dreamt of wielding a powerful stamp and saying, "By the power vested in me... I declare this document officially NOTARIZED!"? Well, my friend, your dream can become a reality (minus the dramatic flair, probably). Today, we're diving into the not-so-secret world of becoming a notary public in Washington state.
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| How To Get A Notary Public License In Washington State |
Notary Ninja 101: Are You Worthy?
Before you stock up on fancy pens and ceremonial scarves (optional, but encouraged), there are a few basic requirements you gotta meet:
- Age is Just a Number (But Not This Time): You gotta be at least 18 years old.
- Speak the Queen's English (Well, Kinda): Be able to read, write, and understand English.
- American Dream or Living the Dream: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
- Washington: Your Home or Hustle: Live in Washington state or have a place of business there.
- Clean Background? Check! Not be disqualified due to any funky business in the past (check the fine print for details).
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Gear Up for Notary Nirvana!
Once you've confirmed your inner notary ninja is ready to be unleashed, it's time to gather your supplies:
- Bond, James Bond... Surety Bond: Get yourself a $10,000 surety bond. Think of it as a safety net in case you accidentally turn someone's will into origami (hopefully not a real concern).
- The Oath of Office: May the Power Be With You: Find someone who's already a notary public to notarize your oath of office form (yes, it's a bit meta).
- Application Time! Head over to the Washington State Department of Licensing website and fill out the online application. You can also do it the old-fashioned way with paper and mail, but who uses paper anymore? (Okay, boomers probably do).
- Fee Fi Fo Fum, I Smell a Filing Fee: There's a small application fee to pay. Consider it your notary initiation fee.
Congratulations, You're Officially a Notary... Maybe
After submitting your application, the Department of Licensing will do their due diligence (think ninja background check). If all goes well, you'll receive your official notary public commission in the mail. Now you can buy a fancy notary stamp (because why not?) and a journal to keep track of your official notary deeds.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Pro-Tip: Taking a notary public training course is a good idea, especially if you don't want to accidentally notarize a grocery list (been there, done that). Also, consider getting Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for some extra peace of mind.
Notary Ninja FAQ
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How to become a notary in Washington state?
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Follow the steps above! Meet the requirements, get your bond and application filled out, and wait for your official commission.
How much does it cost to become a notary in Washington?
There's a $10,000 surety bond cost, a $40 application fee, and the cost of your notary stamp and journal (prices vary).
How long does it take to become a notary in Washington?
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to receive your commission after submitting your application.
Do I need to take a notary class in Washington?
It's not required, but highly recommended to ensure you understand all the notary laws and procedures.
How long does a notary commission last in Washington?
Four years! You'll need to renew your commission to keep your notary status active.
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