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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.

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