What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an official appointed by the Secretary of State to help deter fraud related to the signing of important documents. A Notary Public is not responsible for the legality or accuracy of the documents they notarize. Their main responsibility is to certify the identity of the signer by inspecting their identification, willingness to sign the document without duress or intimidation, and the signer's awareness to the contents of the document.

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How much does a Notary charge in Washington?

Washington State allow Notaries to charge up to $15 per notarial act. However, since a majority of Notaries today offer mobile notarial services, they may also charge a convenience fee for their time and travel in addition to the notarial fee.

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How do I get a document notarized?

Getting a document notarized is a simple process! In order to have a document notarized in Washington, you must appear before a Notary Public being of sound mind and with an acceptable form of identification. In some instances, the notarization would also require the Notary to put the signer under oath -- declaring the under penalty of perjury that the information contained in the document is true and correct.

 

When preparing for a notarization in Washington, it is best to not sign the document before meeting with the Notary as it could invalidate the document. The signer must have their identification and the document to be notarized ready as Notaries are prohibited from creating or suggesting which documents to use for the notarization. If you are uncertain of what type of document(s) you need to have notarized, you may choose to seek guidance from the receiving party or an attorney. 

 

If any of these conditions are not met, the Notary has the right to stop/refuse the signing.

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What are acceptable forms of ID for a notarization in Washington?

Acceptable forms of ID for a notarization in Washington includes a nonexpired United States, State-Issued ID Card, a United States Passport, Tribal ID card or an Inmate ID card. Generally, an ID that has a photo, physical description, and signature. A Military ID can also be used for notarization purposes but please note it is unlawful to make copies of a Military ID (Title 18, US Code Part 1, Chapter 33, Section 701). 

 

For Real Estate transactions, you will need to check with your lender for which type of ID they will accept for their transaction.

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What types of documents can be notarized in Washington?

Nearly any document can be notarized in the State of Washington except certain documents such as Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Certificates. These types of documents can be requested from the original source that produced them.

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 Some of the most commonly notarized documents include Affidavits, Car Titles, Financial Power of Attorney Forms, Liens Releases Forms, Loan Documents, Medical Power of Attorney Forms, Minor Consent to Travel Forms, Real Estate Documents, Trust Documents or Documentation, Power of Attorney Forms, Wills, and more!

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When can I have a document notarized?

 You may find on-site Notaries at some banking and financial institutions as well as select UPS Stores during normal business hours. However, a majority of Notary Publics in the United States are actually independent who travel to their clients. If you are located in the Snohomish or King County area of Washington State, we would be happy to serve you. We will travel to you -- your home, place of work/business, hospitals, jails, care facilities, public meeting spots, restaurants, coffee shops --at a time that is most convenient for you to get your documents notarized ASAP!