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Washington notaries public may see their bond amount change with the passage of SB 5081, which takes effect on July 1, 2018. Currently, notaries in the state must post a $10,000 surety bond to become licensed.
SB 5081 is Washington’s adoption of the Law on Notarial Acts via the Uniform Law Commission, which promotes consistency of law across states. Other states that have adopted the Act include Oregon, Iowa, and Colorado.
Washington notaries are licensed by the state Department of Licensing, and there are several prerequisites to licensure. Washington notary applicants must meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old
- Can read and write in English
- Live in Washington state, or live in Idaho or Oregon while employed and/or doing business in Washington
- Obtain a surety bond
Notary public applicants must submit a completed application to the Department of Licensing, along with a copy of their surety bond and a $30 application fee, paid by check or money order. While the current surety bond amount required is $10,000, SB 5081 allows the director of the Department to establish applicants’ bond amounts. The new law specifies that the surety bond must cover a four-year term, or expire concurrently with the notary’s license expiration. SB 5081 also stipulates that the bond must specify that it covers acts performed during the time of the notary’s commission.
Washington notaries can have their commission revoked, suspended, or their renewal denied for a few reasons, including the following:
- Making false statements on their application
- Being convicted of a felony
- False advertising of the services they can perform as a notary
- Notary commission revocation, denial, or suspension in another state
- Failure to maintain a surety bond
Consult SB 5081 for a full list of prohibited acts. After receiving their commission, Washington notaries must obtain a stamp or seal that complies with the Revised Code of Washington Section 42.44.050 and with Washington Administrative Code 308-30-010.
Get in touch with Single Source Insurance today to learn more and get your Washington notary bond!