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| Washington – $10,000 Notary Bond with E&O coverage of $10,000 |  |
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Introduction
In order to assist prevent fraud and guarantee the integrity of legal and financial documents, a Washington Notary Public is a state-commissioned official allowed to carry out notarial acts like administering oaths, accepting acknowledgments, and witnessing signatures. The Washington Secretary of State appoints notaries in the state, and they are subject to RCW 42.45, which requires them to keep a ,000 surety bond during their four-year commission.
Explanation: Washington Notary Bond
A Washington Notary Bond is a statutorily required surety bond that every commissioned notary public in the State of Washington must obtain as a condition of appointment. The bond serves as a financial safeguard for the public—not for the notary—by providing compensation if a notary causes financial harm through misconduct, negligence, or failure to comply with Washington notary laws.
Purpose of the Washington Notary Bond
The primary purpose of the bond is to:
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Protect the public from losses resulting from a notary’s improper or unlawful acts
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Ensure notaries comply with Washington’s notarial statutes and ethical standards
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Provide a means of financial recovery for injured parties
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Bond Requirement and Amount
Under Washington law (RCW 42.45):
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All notaries public must maintain a ,000 surety bond
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The bond must remain in effect for the entire four-year notary commission term
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The fidelity bond must be issued by a surety authorized to do business in Washington
How the Washington Notary Bond Works
A Washington Notary Bond involves three parties:
- Principal – The notary public
- Obligee – The State of Washington
- Surety – The bonding company that guarantees compliance
If a notary’s improper act causes financial loss, an affected party may file a claim against the bond. If the claim is validated, the surety may pay damages up to the ,000 bond limit. The notary is legally obligated to reimburse the surety for any amounts paid.
What the Bond Does Not Cover
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It does not protect the notary
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It does not cover unintentional errors automatically
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It does not replace Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
Many Washington notaries obtain E&O insurance separately to protect themselves from legal defense costs and personal liability.
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Who Needs a Washington Notary Bond
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Individuals applying for a new Washington notary commission
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Notaries renewing their commission
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Electronic and remote online notaries commissioned in Washington
Process of Getting a Washington Notary Bond
Obtaining a Washington Notary Bond is a required step before applying for or renewing a notary public commission in Washington State. The process is straightforward and typically completed in one business day.
Step 1: Confirm Bond Requirement
Washington law requires all notaries to maintain a $10,000 surety bond for the full four-year commission term.
Step 2: Apply Through an Authorized Surety
Apply with a surety company licensed to do business in Washington. The application generally requires:
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Full legal name (must match your notary application)
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Washington residential or business address
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Commission term (four years)
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Basic personal identification information
Step 3: Pay the Bond Premium
Pay the one-time premium for the four-year bond term. The premium is a small fraction of the bond amount and is non-refundable once issued.
Conclusion
The public is safeguarded by the Washington Notary Bond, a required $10,000 surety bond that guarantees notaries carry out their responsibilities in accordance with state law. Careful adherence to notarial requirements—and consideration of E&O insurance—is crucial because, although it offers financial recourse for damaged parties, the notary is still personally liable for any claims.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can the bond be canceled before the commission expires?
Yes, but early cancellation may result in suspension or revocation of the notary commission.
Can one bond be used for multiple commissions?
No. Each notary commission requires its own active bond covering the full term.
Can my employer provide the notary bond for me?
Yes. An employer may purchase the bond on your behalf; however, the notary remains personally liable for any claims paid by the surety.
Is the bond transferable if I change employers?
Yes. The bond belongs to the notary, not the employer, and remains valid even if you change jobs, as long as it stays active.
Is Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance mandatory in Washington?
No. E&O insurance is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended to protect the notary from personal financial loss.
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