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.
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?
- Email us: notaries@dol.wa.gov
- Call us: 360.664.1550
