Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
WA notary renewal in short
Washington's notary program sits in the Department of Licensing, not the Secretary of State, and it calls the commission a license.[1] You renew online at professions.dol.wa.gov, or by mail with the renewal application, a bond copy and a check.[1]
The deadline is hard: once the license expires it cannot be renewed, and you apply for a new license instead.[1]
Washington rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, Ohio notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Michigan notary renewal, Arizona notary renewal, Iowa notary renewal, Maryland notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal, Oklahoma notary renewal, Kansas notary renewal.
Washington notary renewal requirements
This table is what Washington State Department of Licensing and RCW 42.45 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years.[1] |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires.[1] |
| State fee | $42 to renew, or $57 with the electronic notarization endorsement.[2] |
| Bond | A $10,000 surety bond; a copy of the signed bond goes to the Department of Licensing with the renewal.[1] |
| Course to renew | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Exam to renew | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Fingerprints or background check | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Oath | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Journal | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Washington Department of Licensing. |
How to renew a Washington notary commission, step by step
Washington renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1][2]
- Buy a new $10,000 surety bond for the next term.
- In the 120 days before expiration, renew online at professions.dol.wa.gov, or mail the renewal application, a bond copy and a check.
- Pay $42, or $57 with the electronic endorsement.
You apply to Washington State Department of Licensing yourself: Washington notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Washington commission already expired
An expired license cannot be renewed: you apply for a new license.[1]
After a lapse: course check with the Washington Department of Licensing; exam check with the Washington Department of Licensing.
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Washington Department of Licensing.
Electronic and remote online notarization: The electronic notarization endorsement is renewed with the license ($57 in total).[2]
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renew a Washington notary?
$42, or $57 if you keep the electronic notarization endorsement, plus the bond premium.[2]
How early can I renew my Washington notary license?
Up to 120 days before it expires.[1]
What if my Washington notary license already expired?
It cannot be renewed; you apply for a new license.[1]