How to become a Notary Public

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements

Before you can become a remote online notary in Washington State, you need to meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, be a legal resident of Washington State, and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty or fraud. You also need to be able to read and write English and pass a background check.

Step 2: Complete a notary education course

To become a notary in Washington State, you need to complete a notary education course. This course is designed to teach you the basics of notary law and procedure, as well as the ethical and professional responsibilities of being a notary. You can take this course online or in-person, and it typically takes about 3-6 hours to complete.

Step 3: Apply for a notary commission

Once you have completed the notary education course, you can apply for a notary commission from the Washington State Department of Licensing. This application includes a $30 fee and requires you to provide proof of your identity and residency. You also need to provide a $10,000 surety bond, which protects the public from any errors or omissions you may make as a notary.

Step 4: Complete the remote online notary training

To become a remote online notary in Washington State, you also need to complete the remote online notary training. This training is designed to teach you the specific procedures and requirements of remote online notarization, as well as the technology and tools you need to perform remote online notarizations. You can take this training online or in-person, and it typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Step 5: Purchase the required technology

To perform remote online notarizations, you need to have the required technology. This includes a computer or tablet with a high-speed internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a digital signature pad. You also need to have a secure platform for remote online notarizations, such as Notarize or DocVerify.

Step 6: Get approved as a remote online notary

Once you have completed the remote online notary training and purchased the required technology, you need to get approved as a remote online notary. This requires you to submit an application to the Washington State Department of Licensing, along with proof that you have completed the remote online notary training and have the required technology. You also need to provide proof of your identity and residency, as well as a $50 fee.

Step 7: Start offering remote online notary services

Once you have been approved as a remote online notary in Washington State, you can start offering your services. You can perform remote online notarizations for clients anywhere in the world, as long as they are physically located in Washington State at the time of the notarization. You can charge a fee for your services, and you can also offer mobile notary services for clients who prefer to meet in-person.

Becoming a remote online notary can be a great way to expand your notary services and offer more convenience to your clients. With the increasing demand for remote online notarization services, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and technology to provide a smooth and secure notarization experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking out additional resources and training as needed, you can successfully become a remote online notary in Washington State and provide valuable services to your community.