How Do You Become An Online Notary In Washington?
Once you are eligible to be a traditional notary in Washington, you are allowed to become an online notary by:
- Hold an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Hold an active electronic records Notary endorsement from your Notary Public Electronic Notarization Endorsement Application ($15)
- Contract with a RON software provider (like BlueNotary!) that meets state requirements.
- Email your name and the name of your RON software provider to [email protected].
- Obtaining permission to carry out electronic notarizations from the Department of Licensing.
If you have the certification as an online notary in Washington, you will be able to provide remote notary services for Washington citizens. Always make sure you comply with both the state laws and rules, and the regulations of the RON company you have chosen.
Are Online Notaries Legal To Work in Washington?
Yes. Washington Remote Online Notarization laws were initiated back in March of 2020. The laws allow for all the functions of traditional notaries to be conducted online. This includes witnessing signatures, authenticating documents, and verifying identities digitally.
Check our free online signature generator.
What Are The Requirements To Become An Online Notary In Washington?
In order to be an online notary in Washington, there are the following qualifications that must be met:
- Be 18 years old at least
- Hold a current Washington notary public commission
- Have a valid ID and must be a resident of Washington
- Complete an approved online notary training course
- Pass a state-approved exam
- Have the necessary technology to perform all required functions as an online notary.
Once you meet these requirements you can apply to become a Remote Online Notary in Washington
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Washington (Get your Notary Commission)
- Make sure you meet the state’s qualifications (see below).
- Get your state-required $10,000 surety bond.
- Complete a Notary application, including your oath.
- Submit your application, a copy of your surety bond, and a $40 application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing online or by mail.
- Order your state-required stamp and journal after receiving your Notary certificate.
What Steps Should You Take To Remain Compliant With Washington Laws?
In order to remain compliant with Washington laws, online notaries must take the following steps:
- Keep up-to-date records of all your remote notarizations.
- Verify the identity of each signer using an approved identification method such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Maintain a physical presence in the state of Washington during remote notarial acts.
- Maintain a secure environment for digital documents.
- Keep your Notary commission active and in good standing. Make sure you are up-to-date on all the current laws and guidelines.
- Store all records and documents securely according to the requirements set out by the Washington Secretary of State’s office.
- Stay up-to-date on your continuing education requirements. Follow the guidelines and processes set out by your chosen RON vendor.
These steps will help you to make sure that you adhere to the laws that regulate online notaries in Washington.
Why Should You Consider Becoming An Online Notary In Washington
Becoming an online notary in Washington is a great way to offer convenient and secure services to clients. It can also be a very good gig for those who choose to do so as you have the ability to make your own schedule. Additionally, online notaries are in high demand due to the convenience they provide, from conducting remote meetings to handling transactions without requiring someone to be physically present.
Finally, it’s the perfect time as 1.25 billion notarizations are done annually in the United States and more and more of these notarizations are moving online.
What to Expect From the Job?
Just like other sectors, the workload of an online notary varies. Most of the work assigned to notaries is at tax-paying times, such as during the signing of tax returns and other required notarized documents. But besides that, there is a constant need from both businesses and individuals who have to be with the services of an online notary as there will be a continuous practice of notarized documents.
The types of businesses that need notarial acknowledgment regularly are a lot. Always remember that in the role of an online notary, it is your duty to comply with the state’s regulations.Additionally, the most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling.
How Much Can You Expect To Make?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to set your own rates and hours – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary also has the option for you to Invoice Your Clients Outside of BlueNotary at your rates for their Pro-Hybrid members and businesses. This makes your earnings very flexible depending on your ability to build a network.
Can I do an Online Notary in Washington?
Yes, you can do online notary in Washington. In order to become an online notary, you just need to meet the state requirements for certification and obtain a commission from Washington. You can also join the BlueNotary Notary Mastermind Group in order to get advice from Washington notaries who have already been through the process and will share exactly what you need to do. They will ensure you are in conformity with the Secretary of State. Notarizing online can be a very profitable business where you can also be of great service to the local community.
As an online notary, you are in charge of picking the best service provider who will assist in gaining clients. Blue Notary is the best option as we make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process. We also have a Facebook group full of notaries to help you get through the process and walk the path they’ve helped trail before.
You would be able to earn money with each document you notarize. There are no hidden charges that you need to worry about as we have a very straightforward policy. To register and get guided through the process hop on our BlueNotary Notary Registration Page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Online Notarization
What are the ongoing costs associated with maintaining an online notary commission in Washington?
To maintain an online notary commission in Washington, notaries face recurring expenses. This includes certifying that the documents are correctly filled, and all legal provisions are met. Of course, they are made every four years when the commission is renewed and the applicant has paid the licensing fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Furthermore, updating technology to comply with state standards and subscribing to Remote Online Notarization (RON) software providers also incur costs.
Are there any limitations on the types of documents that can be notarized online in Washington?
Washington provides a wide range of documents that can be notarized online, but there are certain instances when this isn’t possible. For instance, a large financial transaction, like a real estate closing, may need the signature of all parties involved, and notarization to be done in person. It’s also possible for individual organizations to establish policies that necessitate physical presence when notarizing specific documents, so online notaries are required to familiarize themselves with state laws and the policies of different organizations.
What specific steps and requirements are involved in the state-approved online notary training course?
The Washington state-approved online notary training course encompasses legal issues, remote notarization technology, identification of verification methods, and] the laws of this state. Course length and cost may vary, but usually, they are designed to help notaries understand their online duties through tests. Following the course, there is an exam that notaries have to take and pass which is sanctioned by the state, and it is evidence of their skill level.
Also, the continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge foundation of a notary might be a necessity in order to be knowledgeable on current best practices and relevant legality after specific years.
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