Laws and rules: Notaries public

What's changing?

On July 1, 2018, the current notary laws in Chapter 42.44 RCW will be replaced by Chapter 42.45 RCW. You should be aware of the following changes:

• The notary public appointment will now be called a notary public commission.
• You'll be required to keep a journal describing each notarial act you perform.
• You'll be able to apply for an Electronic Notary Public endorsement. With the proper software, this endorsement will allow you to notarize electronic documents.

We're currently developing new rules, and changes may come up throughout the process. Check back regularly for updates, and be prepared for the changes by reading the new law.

You can participate in the rulemaking process. See the rulemaking activity for Chapter 308-30 WAC below.

Current laws and rules

• Chapter 18.235 RCW: Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions
• Chapter 42.44 RCW: Notaries public (current law)
• Chapter 42.45 RCW: Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (effective July 1, 2018)
• Chapter 308-08 WAC: Practice and procedure
• Chapter 308-30 WAC: Notaries public

Rulemaking activity

Rule and status	Public hearing or comments
Title 308 WAC: Licensing, Department of Current rule Preproposal Statement of Inquiry	See Preproposal Statement of Inquiry for information about submitting comments.
Chapter 308-30: WAC Notaries Public Current rule Proposed rule Proposed rulemaking order	Public hearing held October 12, 2016
WAC 308-30­155 Satisfactory evidence of identity Current rule Adopted rule Concise Explanatory Statement Rule-Making Order	Public hearing held on March 10, 2015 Public hearing audio * (mp3 format: 3 hours, 17 minutes)

*To request this information in an alternative format, please email RulesCoordinator@dol.wa.gov or call 360.902.3843. Call 711

Explanation of abbreviations

• RCW—Revised Code of Washington (Washington State laws)
• WAC—Washington Administrative Code (Washington State agency regulations)

Questions? Need help?

If you're interested in commenting on any of the above rules, or you'd like to sign up to receive information about them email our rules coordinator.