To get a document notarized in Washington, bring three things: the complete, unsigned document, a current government-issued photo ID, and every person who needs to sign. Most appointments take under 15 minutes when those three are in order. Most failed appointments come down to an ID problem or a document that was signed or left incomplete beforehand.
This guide covers what Washington law requires, what a notarization costs in 2026, and the mistakes we see most often at our Vancouver, WA office.
What ID does a Washington notary accept?
A Washington notary can accept a passport, a driver’s license, or a government-issued non-driver ID card. Another form of government identification also works if it carries your signature or photograph. These rules come from RCW 42.45.050.
Your ID does not have to be perfectly current. Washington allows an ID that is current or expired by no more than three years on the day of the notarization. An ID that expired four years ago will not work.
The name on your ID should reasonably match the name on your document. If you recently married or changed your name, bring supporting ID in the name printed on the document. A notary may ask for additional identification when something does not line up, and may decline if your identity cannot be confirmed.
What if I do not have a valid ID?
Washington allows a credible witness to vouch for you. The witness must appear in person with you, swear or affirm to your identity, be personally known to the notary, and show acceptable ID of their own. Because the witness has to be someone the notary already knows, this option is limited in practice. Call ahead before relying on it.
How much does a notary cost in Washington in 2026?
Washington caps notary fees at $15 per notarial act for acknowledgments, oaths, signature witnessing and copy certifications. Remote online notarizations are capped at $25. These maximums are set by WAC 308-30-220 and took effect June 22, 2024, replacing the old $10 limit.
Two details affect your total:
- Fees are per act, not per document. Two signers on one page can mean two notarial acts.
- Mobile notary travel is separate. A notary can charge a travel fee only if you agree to it before the trip and the notary explains it is in addition to the notarial fee and not required by law.
What should I bring to my notary appointment?
- The entire document, including all pages and attachments, with no blank spaces.
- Valid photo ID for each signer.
- All signers, in person. Nobody can sign on behalf of someone who is absent unless they hold legal authority, such as a power of attorney.
- Your own witnesses, if the document calls for them. A notary is not automatically a witness. We offer a separate document witness service.
- Any instructions from the receiving agency, such as a bank, court or consulate, so the correct notarial certificate is used.
What are the most common reasons a notary turns someone away?
- Signing in advance. Some notarial acts require you to sign in front of the notary. Wait until you are at the appointment.
- Blank fields. Fill in every blank or mark it “N/A”.
- Expired ID beyond the three-year limit.
- A missing signer.
- Asking the notary which form to use. A notary who is not an attorney cannot give legal advice or choose the type of notarization for you.
- A signer who seems confused or pressured. A notary must be satisfied the person understands the document and is signing willingly.
Can a notary notarize a document for a family member?
A Washington notary cannot perform a notarial act when the notary or the notary’s spouse or domestic partner is a party to the document or has a direct beneficial interest in it (RCW 42.45.020). Notarizing for other relatives is not automatically barred, but most notaries avoid it because it invites challenges later. Using an independent notary removes the question.
Do I need a mobile notary?
A mobile notary travels to your home, office, hospital or care facility. It is the practical choice for signers with limited mobility, for hospital and hospice signings, and for businesses with several documents to complete at once. AI Fingerprinting offers mobile notary service in Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, the rest of Clark County and Portland.
Related guides
- Notary Public Vancouver WA: 7 Trusted Services
- Does a Power of Attorney Need to Be Notarized in Washington?
- Mobile Notary for Hospitals and Care Facilities
Frequently asked questions
What ID does a Washington notary accept?
A Washington notary can accept a passport, a driver’s license, a government-issued non-driver ID card, or another government ID that carries your signature or photograph. The ID must be current or expired by no more than three years (RCW 42.45.050).
How much does a notary cost in Washington in 2026?
Washington caps notary fees at $15 per notarial act and $25 for a remote online notarization under WAC 308-30-220. A mobile notary may charge a separate travel fee if it is agreed in advance.
What if I do not have a valid ID for a notary?
Washington allows a credible witness who appears in person, is personally known to the notary, shows acceptable ID, and swears or affirms to your identity.
Can a notary notarize a document for a family member in Washington?
A Washington notary cannot act when the notary or the notary’s spouse or domestic partner is a party to the document or has a direct beneficial interest in it. Notarizing for other relatives is not automatically barred, but an independent notary is the safer choice.
Should I sign my document before going to the notary?
No. Some notarial acts require you to sign in front of the notary, so bring the complete document unsigned and sign at the appointment.
Get your document notarized in Vancouver, WA
AI Fingerprinting provides walk-in and mobile notary service in Vancouver, WA and mobile notary service at 201 NE Park Plaza Dr #221. If your document is headed overseas, we also handle apostille services, and many clients combine a notarization with fingerprinting in one visit.
Book an appointment or call (360) 998-7302. See current rates on our pricing page.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For questions about what your document should say, consult an attorney.