Washington

Online notarization in Washington: Get your document notarized today

Notarizing important documents is easier than ever these days, thanks to the advantages that Remote Online Notarization (RON) offers over traditional notary services. In addition to increased security and protection against fraud, RON allows users to eSign and notarize documents before a state commissioned notary public from the comfort of their own home.

In this brief guide, we will take a look at everything you need to know to use a remote online notary in Washington to start notarizing your documents online right away using PandaDoc Notary.

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Learn everything about remote online notarization in Washington.

How does PandaDoc Notary work?

As online notarization continues to grow in popularity, PandaDoc Notary offers an easy and secure RON platform that allows users to notarize their important documents within minutes from the comfort of their own home. With PandaDoc Notary, you will enjoy around the clock access to templates or upload your own documents to send, eSign, and notarize with a friendly and knowledgeable state-commissioned online notary.

PandaDoc Notary operates on a secure, cloud-based platform that allows businesses and individuals to save time and money by skipping the traditional in-person notary process. Ultimately, PandaDoc Notary allows you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your documents are securely stored and accessible at all times.

PandaDoc Notary was built to be easy to use, no matter how much experience you have notarizing documents. The PandaDoc Notary product help center is available and ready to help you sort out any technical issues you may encounter, and their chat support is there for you whenever you may need it.

How does online notary work in Washington?

To notarize your documents using a remote online notary in Washington, all signers will be required to appear before a state-commissioned online notary using a state approved RON platform, such as PandaDoc Notary. All signers will be required to appear at the same time for the notary session, however they do not need to all be in the same location.

The use of Remote Online Notarization allows users the benefit of skipping the time and hassle that comes with scheduling a time and place to meet with a traditional notary. Rather, all signers can appear virtually from the comfort of their own home to meet with a state-commissioned notary public.

At the time of the notarization, the signers will need to provide some form of identification verification which can be done one of several ways. The notary may confirm the signer’s identity if they personally know the signer and can attest that they are who they say they are. Many RON platforms, like PandaDoc Notary, further ensure the validity of your document by verifying signers identities through credential analysis or knowledge-based authentication (KBA) processes. 

Once the signers have confirmed their identities and paid all appropriate notarization fees, they will review and verbally confirm to the notary that they understand the document they are signing and wish to proceed. Finally, they will eSign the document, at which time the online notary will apply their signature and digital seal, rendering the document legally binding. 

FAQ’s

How to notarize a document in Washington?

To notarize a document in Washington, you will need to appear before a state-commissioned notary public, along with any other document signers. Washington allows you the option to choose between obtaining a traditional “wet ink” signature with an in-person notary or eSigning and notarizing your documents online using remote online notarization.

At the time of the notarization, whether in-person or online, all signers will need to verify their identities and pay any required notary fees. Once this has been taken care of, the signers will need to verbally affirm that they are willfully signing the document of their own accord prior to applying their signatures.

Any document that is notarized within the requirements of Washington notarization and RON law will be considered legally valid in all 50 states.

Is online notarization legal in Washington?

Yes. Notaries who are commissioned to practice online can perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) services in Washington.

Washington State Remote Online Notarization (RON) Law became permanent in March of 2020 making it the ninth state to adopt the practice. These laws, originally scheduled to take effect in October 2020, were authorized ahead of schedule due to COVID-19. Online notaries in Washington must possess a traditional notary commission in addition to being approved by the department of licensing to perform remote services.

What are the Washington notarization requirements?

To notarize a document online in Washington, there are several requirements you must meet, prior to the notarization being carried out.

At the time of the notarization, the signers will need to provide some form of identification verification which can be done one of several ways. The notary may confirm the signer’s identity if they personally know the signer and can attest that they are who they say they are. Many RON platforms, like PandaDoc Notary, further ensure the validity of your document by verifying signers identities through credential analysis or knowledge-based authentication (KBA) processes.

Can a notary notarize for a family member in Washington?

In the state of Washington, it is illegal for a notary to notarize a document for a spouse or domestic partner who may directly or indirectly benefit from the contents of the document. While not expressly prohibited, the state notary handbook strongly discourages notarizing documents for any immediate or extended family members, due to the likely potential for a conflict of interest to arise.

Notaries are tasked with serving as a neutral, third party witness to the notarizations they carry out. When notarizing for family members, it is nearly impossible to avoid potential conflict of interest.

How much can an Online Notary Charge in Washington?

An online notary in Washington can charge up to $25 per notarial act performed. The maximum a notary can charge for traditional notarization services in Washington is $10.

What are the Washington Notary Laws?

Remote online notaries in Washington state must retain a detailed electronic log, that includes an audio-visual recording of the transaction for each notarial act performed. These electronic records must be securely stored and kept accessible for a minimum of 10 years, from the date the recording was made.

If I notarize a document in Washington, will it be recognized by other states?

Yes, any document that is notarized within the requirements of state notarization and RON law will be recognized as legally valid in all 50 states. The state of Washington allows businesses and individuals to choose between traditional notarization services, such as walk-in or mobile notaries, or notarizing documents online via remote notarization.

Documents that have been notarized online will still be recognized as legally valid in all 50 states, including those which have not yet adopted permanent RON law.

Do I have to be in Washington to use PandaDoc Notary services?

No, the main convenience of remote online notary services is that those who need to notarize documents quickly can do so from wherever they are located. As long as you have access to a computer with audio-visual capabilities and a secure internet connection, you can take advantage of the many services that PandaDoc Notary has to offer from wherever you are located.

Though not all states have legalized RON, you can take advantage of remote online notaries in Washington or any other other state that allows online notarization.

What types of notarizations are permitted online in Washington?

In Washington, remote notaries are authorized to perform the following types of notarial acts:

  • Taking verification on an oath or affirmation: notary witnesses an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document being signed are true.
  • Taking acknowledgments: An official acknowledgment from a signer to a notary that a document has been willingly signed.
  • Witnessing signaturesA notary appears to verify the identity of a document signer and witness the signing.
  • Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument: A notary officially notes that a bill or note related to the transaction has been dishonored and that the terms are being protested.
  • Certifying or attesting a copy of a record: notary certifies that a copy of a document is true and accurate.
  • Certifying that an act has been performed or an event has occurred.
Disclaimer

The contents of this website are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues and jurisdictions.