Free Washington Notary Acknowledgment Forms

Washington Notary Acknowledgment Overview

A notary acknowledgment in Washington is a certificate completed by a WA-commissioned notary public confirming that a signer personally appeared before the notary, was positively identified, and acknowledged signing a document voluntarily. Washington law prescribes specific statutory wording that must be used for acknowledgment certificates to be valid and accepted by recording offices throughout the state. Using incorrect or out-of-state wording can result in document rejection.

Washington notary acknowledgments are required for real estate deeds, powers of attorney, trust documents, mortgages, and many other legal instruments filed or recorded in the state. The notary does not verify the content or legality of the document — only the identity of the signer and that the signature was made willingly. Washington notaries must hold an active commission, maintain proper bonding, and follow all WA notarial procedures when performing acknowledgments.

Washington Acknowledgment Wording

Washington law prescribes specific statutory wording for notary acknowledgment certificates. Using the correct wording is essential for documents that will be recorded with Washington county recorders or filed with state agencies. Below are the required acknowledgment forms for different signer types.

Individual Acknowledgment

Corporate / Representative Acknowledgment

Multiple Signers Acknowledgment

Washington Notary Requirements

Washington has specific requirements for notaries public who perform acknowledgments. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your notarization is valid and your documents will be accepted.

• Commission Term: Washington notary commissions are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
• Bond: A $10,000 surety bond is required for Washington notaries
• Exam: No exam is required to become a notary in Washington
• Journal: Maintaining a notary journal is mandatory and required by law in Washington
• Seal/Stamp: Washington notaries must use an official seal or stamp on all notarial certificates
• Max Fee: $10 per notarial act for in-person notarizations

Remote Online Notarization in Washington

Washington does allow remote online notarization (RON), which permits signers to appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in person. RON sessions require multi-factor identity verification including knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of a government-issued ID, and live video confirmation.

RON notaries in Washington must use approved technology platforms that meet state requirements for security, recording, and record retention. All RON sessions are recorded and the recordings must be stored for the period specified by WA law. RON fees may differ from in-person notarization fees.

Washington Notary Fees

Washington regulates the maximum fees notaries may charge for notarial acts. Below is a breakdown of typical notarization costs in Washington.

Washington Identification Requirements

Washington notaries must verify the identity of each signer before performing an acknowledgment. The following forms of identification are generally accepted in Washington.

Sample Washington Acknowledgment Certificate

Below is a preview of our Washington-specific notary acknowledgment certificate. Your customized document will include the exact WA statutory wording and all required notarial elements.

Washington Notary Acknowledgment FAQ

Answers to common questions about notary acknowledgments in Washington, including wording requirements, fees, and notarization procedures.

Official Washington Resources

Use these official resources to verify Washington notary requirements, find a notary, and access state notary forms and information.

Related Washington Documents

Documents commonly used alongside notary acknowledgments in Washington, or that require WA notarization.