Spring is one of the busiest seasons for subcontractors in Washington. As construction projects ramp up across Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and beyond, the paperwork pile grows just as fast as the job list. Among the documents that often catch subcontractors off guard is the notary bond requirement — especially for those who handle their own contract notarizations, lien waivers, or employment verification forms in the field. If you or someone on your team is stepping into a notary public role to help streamline your business operations this season, understanding Washington’s notary bond requirements is essential before you stamp your first document.
Why Subcontractors in Washington Are Turning to Notary Services
It might seem unusual at first glance, but a growing number of Washington subcontractors are commissioning employees or principals as notaries public. The reason is practical: subcontracting work involves a steady stream of legally significant documents. Lien waivers, subcontract agreements, change orders, affidavits, and sworn statements often require notarization before they can move through a general contractor’s approval process or a title company’s escrow pipeline.
Rather than chasing down a notary every time a signature needs witnessing — which can delay payments and slow down project timelines — many subcontractors find it cost-effective to have an in-house notary. This is particularly true for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing, and specialty trade subcontractors who manage high volumes of documentation across multiple simultaneous job sites.
But before your designated employee can legally notarize documents in Washington State, they must meet all state requirements — including obtaining a surety bond.
Washington State Notary Bond Requirements Explained
Washington State requires all notaries public to obtain a surety bond as part of the commissioning process. Here are the key requirements you need to know:
- Bond Amount: Washington requires a notary bond in the amount of $10,000.
- Bond Term: The bond must remain in effect for the full length of the notary’s commission, which is a four-year term.
- Filing Requirement: The bond must be filed with the Washington Secretary of State as part of the notary commission application.
- Who the Bond Protects: The notary bond protects members of the public — including general contractors, property owners, and other parties — from financial harm caused by a notary’s errors, omissions, or misconduct.
- Electronic Notarization: Washington also permits remote online notarization (RON), and notaries who perform electronic or remote notarizations must also carry a surety bond meeting the same $10,000 requirement.
It’s important to understand that the notary bond does not protect the notary themselves — it protects the public. If a claim is paid out by the surety company on behalf of the notary, the notary is responsible for reimbursing that amount. This is why performing notarial acts with care and accuracy is so important.
How Much Does a Washington Notary Bond Cost?
Here’s the good news for subcontractors watching their overhead this spring: a Washington notary bond is extremely affordable. For most applicants, the premium for a $10,000 notary bond in Washington runs between $30 and $50 for the full four-year term. That works out to roughly $7.50 to $12.50 per year — less than the cost of a lunch on a job site.
Unlike contractor license bonds or performance bonds, notary bonds do not typically require a credit check or extensive underwriting. The low bond amount and straightforward nature of the risk means most applicants are approved instantly, regardless of credit history.
For subcontractors who are already managing contractor registration bonds through the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, adding a notary bond to your compliance portfolio is a simple and inexpensive step. The two bonds are entirely separate — your contractor registration bond covers your business’s licensing obligations, while the notary bond covers the individual acting as a notary public.
Steps to Get Your Notary Bond and Commission in Washington This April
If you’re ready to get a notary commissioned within your subcontracting business before the spring construction season hits full stride, here’s a simplified roadmap:
- Step 1 – Meet Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Washington State or a resident of a bordering state who is regularly employed or carries on a business in Washington, able to read and write English, and not have had a notary commission revoked in the past five years.
- Step 2 – Complete a Notary Education Course: Washington requires new notary applicants to complete an approved notary education course of at least three hours before applying for their commission.
- Step 3 – Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond: Obtain your notary bond from a licensed surety provider. Statement Bonds, powered by Merchants Bonding Company, makes this fast and easy with instant online quotes and same-day bond issuance.
- Step 4 – Submit Your Application: File your notary commission application through the Washington Secretary of State’s online portal, along with proof of your surety bond and completed education course.
- Step 5 – Obtain Your Stamp and Journal: Once your commission is approved, purchase an official notary seal and maintain a notary journal to record all notarial acts — a best practice that protects both you and your clients.
The entire process can typically be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks, making April an ideal time to get started so you’re fully commissioned and ready to notarize documents before the summer construction boom arrives.
Get Your Washington Notary Bond Today
Whether you’re a framing subcontractor in Bellevue, an electrical sub in Tacoma, or a plumbing contractor working across the greater Spokane area, having an in-house notary can save your business real time and money this spring. The Washington notary bond requirement is simple to meet, and the cost is minimal compared to the efficiency gains you’ll enjoy.
Statement Bonds is proud to serve subcontractors and business professionals across Washington State with fast, affordable surety bond solutions — backed by Merchants Bonding Company, an A-rated surety with over 90 years of experience. Getting bonded takes just minutes online, and your bond documents can be delivered the same day.
Visit statementbonds.com today to get your instant online quote for a Washington notary bond. No hassle, no delays — just the bond coverage you need to keep your business moving forward this spring.