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Verified by WA Board of Business

Notary Public Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Washington, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Washington

Estimated timeline: 12 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Individuals must have a B.A., 24 semester credits in accounting, with 15 credits at the upper or graduate level, 24 semester credits in business administration, take and pass the uniform cerfified public accountant (CPA) exam, and have a minimum of 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work using the skills generally used in business and accounting and auditing, verified by a licensed CPA.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the uniform cerfified public accountant (CPA) exam, and have a minimum of 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work using the skills generally used in business and accounting and auditing, verified by a licensed CPA

Continuing education and program notes

  • cerfified public accountant (CPA) exam, and have a minimum of 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work using the skills generally used in business and accounting and auditing, verifi

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $51,620 median (7% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass the uniform cerfified public accountant (CPA) exam, and have a minimum of 12 months/2,000 hours of accounting work using the skills generally used in business and accountin....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Board of Accountancy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $51,620, Notary Publics in Washington earn 7% above the national median of $48,360. Washington ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 12 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$51,620

Hourly estimate

$24.82
7% above national median

Difference: +$3,260

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,720
  • P2525th percentile$44,400
  • P50Median$51,620
  • P7575th percentile$61,250
  • P9090th percentile$69,490

State vs National Median

State: $51,620
National: $48,360

Total employment: 4,220 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#9 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$51,620Degree requiredThird-party exam required12 months
Idaho$45,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Oregon$48,270Varies by state boardState-approved exam4 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Board of Accountancy

711 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA, 98507-9131

Phone: 3605860784

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$97,800Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$73,160Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$96,180Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$105,090No educational requirements8 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Washington?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 12 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Notary Publics in Washington?

Washington lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.

What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Washington?

The board typically expects Degree required for Notary Public licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Washington is $51,620. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $69,490 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in Washington compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in Washington earn 7% above the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $51,620.

How many Notary Publics work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 4,220 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Washington?

The licensing agency is Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at http://www.acb.wa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Washington?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.