Journal Requirements in Washington
Washington State's notary law under RCW Chapter 42.45 was substantially updated with the Washington Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), effective July 2018. For traditional paper notarizations, Washington does not require a journal. Washington authorized RON under the same RULONA framework and requires electronic notaries to maintain a journal and audio-visual recording. The retention period for RON records in Washington is 10 years — among the longest in the country. Washington's $10,000 bond requirement is on the higher end for a state that doesn't require a journal.
Washington Notary Commission Quick Facts
| Element | Washington Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing authority | dol.wa.gov |
| Commission term | 4 years |
| Bond required | $10,000 surety bond |
| Exam/training | No exam required |
| Journal (paper notarizations) | Not required — recommended |
| Journal (electronic/RON) | Required — 10 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington does not have a separate state-issued notary signing agent certification. The notary commission is the legal credential. Most signing services and title companies operating in Washington require NNA certification, a background check, and E&O insurance as vendor requirements regardless of state law.
Standard government-issued photo identification is accepted: state driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, and permanent resident card. Always verify current Washington statutes for state-specific variations. When in doubt, require documentary ID rather than relying on personal knowledge of the signer.
Yes, absolutely. A journal provides contemporaneous documentation of every notarial act. In the event of a fraud allegation or dispute, your journal is your primary defense. Professional signing agents in Washington maintain journals as standard practice regardless of legal mandate.