So You Wanna Be a Notary Ninja in Washington? A Guide (with Optional Sass)
Ever get that feeling of immense power witnessing someone sign a document? That intoxicating whiff of importance? Well, my friend, that's the life of a notary public. But hold on to your metaphorical staplers, becoming a Washington state notary isn't just about wielding a fancy stamp (although, let's be honest, the stamp is pretty cool).
Notarizing Your Dreams: Eligibility is Key
First things first, not everyone can be a notary ninja. Sorry, no participation trophies here. To qualify, you gotta be:
- 18 years old or older: Because teenagers with the power to notarize things? Sounds like a recipe for disaster (or at least a seriously epic prank war).
- A US citizen or permanent legal resident: This one's pretty straightforward. You gotta be legally able to, you know, exist in the US of A.
- A Washington resident (or have a place of business there): Gotta be familiar with the local notary laws, and let's be real, who wants to notarize documents on vacation? Sounds stressful.
- Able to read and write in English: This might seem obvious, but hey, you never know!
Think you tick all the boxes? Great! Now, let's get down to notary business.
Gear Up: Essential Notary Supplies (Besides the Ego Boost)
Being a notary isn't all about the glory (though there is some glory, don't get us wrong). You'll need some key supplies:
- A $10,000 surety bond: Basically, this is like insurance in case you mess up a notarization. Think of it as a safety net for your newfound power.
- Notary stamp or seal: Don't be fooled by those cheap, rubber chicken notary stamps (although, that would be hilarious). Get a legit one from an approved vendor.
- A notary journal: This is where you document all your notarial acts, like a mini-history of your notary awesomeness.
Pro Tip: Consider getting Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. It's like extra security for your notary self, just in case.
The Notarial Quest: Applying for Your Commission
Ready to claim your notary destiny? Here's the battle plan:
- Obtain your $10,000 surety bond. Shop around, these things can vary in price.
- Fill out a Notary Public Commission Application. You can do this online or by mail.
- Get your Oath of Office notarized. Yes, you need a notary to become a notary. (Insert mind-blowing realization meme here).
- Submit your application, bond copy, notarized oath, and a $40 application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing. You can do this online or by mail too.
Congratulations, you've slain the application dragon! Now, sit tight and wait for your official notary commission certificate to arrive in the mail.
Bonus Round: Consider taking a notary education course. This isn't mandatory, but it can be helpful to learn the ins and outs of being a notary before you unleash your power on the unsuspecting public.
FAQ: Notary Knowledge in a Nutshell
How to become a notary in Washington state? See the Notarial Quest section above, brave adventurer!
How much does it cost to become a notary in Washington? There's a $10,000 surety bond, a $40 application fee, and the cost of your notary supplies.
How long does it take to become a notary in Washington? Processing times can vary, but generally it takes a few weeks.
Do I need a degree to become a notary in Washington? Nope, no fancy degrees required!
How long does a notary commission last in Washington? Four years. You gotta renew it to keep your notary mojo going.