If the information on this translated website is unclear, please contact us at 360.902.3900 for help in your language of choice.

Remote notarization for licensed notaries

A licensed notary with an electronic records notary endorsement is eligible to get a remote notary endorsement. You must apply for the remote endorsement separately.

Once you have the remote endorsement, you're authorized to perform remote notarial acts. You can also conduct notarization for clients who aren't located in Washington State.

You must have both endorsements before practicing remote notarial acts.

Standards and processes

See the current rules for remote notarization on our laws and rules page. The rules include standards for:

  • Communication technology.
  • Identity proofing.
  • Software requirements.
  • Recordkeeping requirements.
  • Notarial certificates.
  • And more.

Performing remote notarization

To perform remote notarial acts remotely, you’ll need specialized software. The software must be able to meet certain standards. Check with the software maker to find out if their product is capable of meeting these standards.

The software will use a virtual room for the notary and the signers to interact and see and hear each other. This allows you to verify their identity and perform the notarization. Clients use a multifactor authentication process to be able to interact with you.

You will record the transaction physically in your notary journal. You must reference that you performed the notarial act remotely.

Add a remote notary endorsement

Notaries with an electronic endorsement can apply to add the remote endorsement to their existing license. Get step-by-step instructions on how to add the remote notary endorsement.

Temporary remote notary licenses expire August 31, 2021. If you have a temporary remote notary license and want to continue these services, you must log in and add it to your existing active license. You must have an electronic notary endorsement to apply for a remote notary license. You can apply for both at the same time.

Electronic records notarization vs. remote notarization

  • An electronic records notarization is the process of notarizing where electronic signatures get applied to electronic documents. This happens in the physical present of the notary and the signer (i.e. signing on a digital signature pad). It will include the attachment of the licensee’s electronic notarial stamp or seal.
  • A remote notarization is the act of notarizing without being in the physical presence of a customer.

Questions? Need help?

Chatbot icon