Yes, you can use an online notary in Washington State. Washington’s notary law, RCW 42.45, allows remote notarial acts by notaries who hold both an electronic records endorsement and a remote notary endorsement from the Department of Licensing. The state caps the fee for a remote notarial act at $25. Signers can also use online notaries commissioned in other states, subject to the receiving party’s acceptance.
This guide explains Washington’s rules, the fee caps, what happens in a session, and when a traditional in-person notary is still the better choice. It covers Washington State, not Washington, D.C.
Is online notarization legal in Washington State?
Yes. Washington adopted the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts as chapter 42.45 RCW, and RCW 42.45.280 authorizes notarial acts for remotely located individuals. The Department of Licensing implements the law through chapter 308-30 WAC, which requires notaries to hold specific endorsements before they notarize remotely.
The Department of Licensing’s laws and rules page for notaries lists both the statute and the rules. Under chapter 308-30 WAC, a notary who has received both an electronic records notary public endorsement and a remote notarial acts endorsement may perform remote notarial acts.
A remote online notarization (RON) is a notarial act in which the signer appears before the notary through live two-way audio and video instead of in person. An electronic notarization uses electronic documents, signatures, and seals. Washington regulates both, and a notary may choose not to apply for either endorsement.
How does a Washington notary qualify for remote acts?
A Washington notary needs an active commission, an electronic records endorsement, and a remote notary endorsement. Under the rules, a notary can apply for the remote endorsement while already holding the electronic endorsement, or apply for both at once. The electronic records endorsement carries a $15 application fee, according to the Department of Licensing.
The Department of Licensing does not endorse any particular notary technology. Its guide to notarizing electronic documents says any technology must be tamper-evident and meet the minimum requirements in WAC 308-30-130.
How much does an online notary cost in Washington?
Washington caps a remote notarial act at $25 and most in-person notarial acts at $15, according to the Department of Licensing. Those caps apply to Washington-commissioned notaries. National platforms that use notaries commissioned elsewhere publish their own prices; BlueNotary pricing starts at $25 for one notarization with one stamp.
| Notarial act | Maximum fee, Washington notary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Remote notarial act | $25 | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Taking an acknowledgment or verification on oath or affirmation | $15 | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Witnessing or attesting a signature | $15 | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Certifying or attesting a copy | $15 | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Administering an oath or affirmation | $15 | Washington Department of Licensing |
For comparison, BlueNotary’s fee schedule lists $25 for a notarization with one stamp, $8 for each additional stamp, $5 for each additional signer, and $10 for a BlueNotary-supplied witness. Compare total cost by counting how many notarial certificates and signers your documents require.
What are Washington’s key rules for remote notarization?
Washington’s rules cover notary qualification, technology, the electronic certificate, and records. The summary below focuses on what a signer is likely to notice. The notary’s commissioning state controls the session, so these rules apply when the notary is commissioned in Washington.
| Topic | Washington rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Chapter 42.45 RCW, including RCW 42.45.280 for remote acts | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Implementing rules | Chapter 308-30 WAC | Washington State Legislature |
| Notary qualification | Electronic records endorsement plus remote notary endorsement | Chapter 308-30 WAC |
| Technology | Must be tamper-evident and meet WAC 308-30-130; no state-endorsed vendor | DOL electronic notarization guide |
| Certificate | An electronic notarial certificate is completed for every remote act | Chapter 308-30 WAC |
| Fee cap | $25 per remote notarial act | Washington Department of Licensing |
| Copy certification | Permitted as a notarial act, with a $15 cap in person | Washington Department of Licensing |
Can a Washington notary certify a copy?
Yes, Washington lists certifying or attesting a copy as a notarial act with a $15 maximum fee. A direct copy certification requires the notary to compare the copy with the original, which is simplest in person. Vital records such as birth certificates should be ordered from the issuing office instead.
How does an online notarization work with BlueNotary?
BlueNotary is an online notarization platform that connects signers with commissioned notaries over live video. You upload your document, verify your identity, meet the notary, sign electronically, and download the notarized file. The notary follows the law of their own commissioning state throughout.
- Confirm acceptance. Ask the receiving party whether it accepts remote online notarization and whether it requires a Washington-commissioned notary.
- Prepare the document. Leave signature lines blank. BlueNotary accepts PDF, DOCX, and common image formats up to 30 MB, according to its document requirements page.
- Start a session. Begin from the BlueNotary homepage, or sign in to your existing account.
- Verify your identity. Scan a current government-issued photo ID and complete identity questions or a biometric check.
- Meet the notary and sign. The notary confirms your identity and willingness, you sign electronically, and the notary attaches an electronic signature, seal, and certificate.
For a closer look at each step, see BlueNotary’s guide to how online notarization works or its overview of remote online notarization.
Preparation checklist
- ID: Unexpired government-issued photo ID, scanned without glare.
- Device: Camera, microphone, and a stable connection.
- Final document: Complete except for signatures, with all pages included.
- Other signers and witnesses: Contact details for everyone who must join.
- Exclusions: BlueNotary’s help center says it does not accept documents for a foreign embassy, codicils and testamentary trusts, or Form I-9.
When should you use an in-person notary in Washington?
Use an in-person notary when the receiving party requires ink signatures, a paper original, or a Washington commission that an out-of-state online notary cannot provide. Also choose in person for a direct copy certification of a paper original. For most affidavits, authorizations, and multi-location signings, an online notary is usually the faster option.
| Situation | Online notary | In-person Washington notary |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit, authorization, or consent form | Strong fit | Works, but requires a visit |
| Signers in different places | Strong fit | Hard to coordinate |
| Recipient requires ink signatures or paper | Not suitable | Required |
| Copy certification of a paper original | Limited | Practical, with a $15 cap |
| Real estate documents | Confirm with the title company, lender, or county recorder | Confirm with the title company, lender, or county recorder |
If you are a Washington notary interested in adding the remote endorsement, BlueNotary’s guide to becoming a remote online notary in every state outlines the Washington steps.
Have a question about your Washington document or online notary costs in Washington State? Email the BlueNotary team at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Is online notarization legal in Washington State?
Yes. RCW 42.45.280 authorizes remote notarial acts, and chapter 308-30 WAC sets the rules. A Washington notary must hold an electronic records endorsement and a remote notary endorsement from the Department of Licensing before performing remote acts.
How much can a Washington notary charge for a remote notarization?
Up to $25 per remote notarial act, according to the Department of Licensing. Most in-person acts are capped at $15. Platforms using notaries commissioned in other states publish their own prices, such as BlueNotary’s $25 for one stamp.
Can I use an online notary from another state for a Washington document?
Often, yes. The notary follows their own commissioning state’s law, and many receiving parties accept the result. Some offices may require a Washington notary or paper originals, so confirm before you sign.
Does Washington approve specific online notary platforms?
No. The Department of Licensing says it does not endorse any particular notary technology. Platforms must be tamper-evident and meet the minimum requirements in the state’s rules.
Is this guide about Washington, D.C.?
No. This guide covers Washington State, where the Department of Licensing regulates notaries. Washington, D.C. has its own notary laws and commissioning office, so its rules and fees differ.
What does an online notary in Washington State cost for several documents?
BlueNotary’s published fee schedule lists $25 for the first stamp, $8 per additional stamp, and $5 per additional signer. Real estate and estate planning packages have separate flat fees.
Ready to notarize your document? Start your online notarization with BlueNotary and meet a commissioned notary on live video from anywhere in Washington.
