Find a Washington Notary | Quitclaim Deed Notarization

Q: Does my deed have to be notarized by someone physically in Washington?

Yes, Washington recognizes acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned in other states (RCW 42.45.090), but it is always recommended to confirm with the county Auditor's Office.

Q: How do I verify a notary’s credentials?

You can verify a notary's credentials through the Washington Department of Licensing's professional license lookup tool.

Q: Is there a way to skip an in-person notary visit entirely?

Yes. Washington allows remote online notarization (RON) under RCW 42.45.280 through a Washington-commissioned electronic-records notary -- the notary must hold a Washington RON commission, but you can complete the signing from home over approved audiovisual technology.

Why You Need a Notary

Getting a Quitclaim Deed notarized in Washington means finding a commissioned Notary Public — but that doesn't necessarily mean one located in-state. RCW § 42.45.090 gives full effect to acknowledgments taken by notaries commissioned elsewhere, so an out-of-state notary works fine if that's what's convenient.

A notary public does not validate the accuracy or legality of a Quitclaim Deed. Instead, their role is to witness the signing and verify the identity of the signer.

The county Auditor's Office won't record an unnotarized Quitclaim Deed — skip this step and expect the filing to bounce.

Prefer Not to Drive to a Notary?

If getting to a notary's office isn't practical, RCW § 42.45.280 authorizes remote online notarization (RON) through a Washington-commissioned electronic-records notary — you sign in front of the notary over live video instead of in person. Our online notary option walks through how it works.

Notary Stamps and Embossers: What to Know

Samples of Notary Stamps are shown above. These are examples of what to look for when verifying a document's notarization.

Before relying on an out-of-state notarization, a quick call to the recording county's Auditor's Office is worth the five minutes to confirm they'll accept it.

How to Search for a Notary in Washington

Washington Department of Licensing — Notaries Public

Unlike many states, Washington puts notary commissions under the Department of Licensing rather than the Secretary of State's office. Their professional license lookup tool (search under "Notary Public") will confirm whether someone's commission is active. Application details, renewal steps, and general rules are all on the DOL Notaries Public page, or reach them directly at 360-664-1550.

Notary FAQs

Does my deed have to be notarized by someone physically in Washington?

No — RCW § 42.45.090 makes out-of-state acknowledgments just as valid, though confirming with the recording county's Auditor's Office beforehand is still smart practice.

What documents are required for notarization?

You will need a valid form of government-issued identification and the document you wish to have notarized.

How do I verify a notary's credentials?

Washington's Department of Licensing runs a professional license lookup tool — search it under the "Notary Public" category to pull up an active commission.

Is there a way to skip an in-person notary visit entirely?

Yes — RCW § 42.45.280 permits remote online notarization through a Washington-commissioned electronic-records notary, handled entirely over live video. Details are on our online notary page.