What is a Washington Notary Public Bond?

A quick guide to this essential requirement for Notary Publics in Washington!

The Washington State Department of Licensing requires all those who are applying to be certified as a notary public in Washington to submit a surety bond to the Director.

 

The requirement complies with Chapter 42.44.020 of the Revised Code of Washington.

 

A Notary Public is someone appointed to perform the following acts:

  • Administers an oath or affirmation
  • Certifies or attests a copy
  • Confirms that an event has happened
  • Verifies that an action has been performed
  • Taking an acknowledgment
  • Carries out a verification upon oath or affirmation
  • Be a witness or attest to a signature
  • Receives a protest of a negotiable instrument

 

What is the bond amount?

The bond amount is $10,000.

 

Those who have excellent credit scores may qualify for a very low bond premium or just 1% of the bond amount!

 

Find out what you need to pay by getting your FREE quote here!

 

What are the bond conditions?

  • The surety bond company should be authorized to do business in the State of Washington such as Surety Bond Authority
  • The bond must cover the 4-year term of a Notary Public starting on the date that he or she is appointed and will end on the day the Notary Public’s appointment expires
  • The bond must be issued specifically for the Notary Public’s appointment
  • The Notary Public/Principal is obligated to comply with the provisions of Chapter 42.44 of the Revised Code of Washington and all the other rules and regulations that govern Notary Publics in Washington.
  • The Notary Public/Principal must correctly perform the notarial acts

 

How can I obtain this type of bond?

STEP 1: Apply for the bond

You need to complete and submit a bond application.

 

STEP 2: Underwriting

We will ask you a couple of valuable information needed for the underwriting process which includes, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Your financial history
  • Your job performance history
  • Your credit score

An underwriter will carefully evaluate all those.

 

STEP 3: Bond execution

Once the underwriter is done with the underwriting process, we will immediately issue the bond and send it to you!

 

What are the requirements to become a Notary Public in Washington?

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must know how to speak, read, and write in English
  • A legal resident of the State of Washington, or resides in Idaho or Oregon, but is employed in Washington
  • Complete the Notary Public Appointment/Reappointment Application form
  • Pay the necessary $30 application fee

 

Do you need further information about this bond? Call us! We’ll be glad to assist you!