Washington Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective October 1, 2020 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2019
- Statute
- RCW 42.45.280
- Bill Number
- SB 5641 (Laws of 2019, ch. 154); amended by SHB 2158 (Laws of 2026, ch. 21, eff. 2027-01-01)
Washington RON Law Overview
Washington authorized remote online notarization in 2019 by SB 5641 (Laws of 2019, ch. 154); amended by SHB 2158 (Laws of 2026, ch. 21, eff. 2027-01-01), codified at RCW 42.45.280, effective October 1, 2020. A Washington online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Washington who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for Washington
Enacted by SB 5641 (Laws of 2019, ch. 154); amended by SHB 2158 (Laws of 2026, ch. 21, eff. 2027-01-01). Signer location: Anywhere in the US; outside the US only if the record relates to a US court/official/entity or US property or transaction, and the act is not prohibited by the foreign state. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
Washington RON Requirements
Washington requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
Washington recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (RCW 42.45.090).
Online Notary Availability in Washington
Notaron is available 24/7 across Washington. See location-specific guides for major Washington cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Washington?
Yes, Washington has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2019 under RCW 42.45.280. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Washington-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Washington?
Washington requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Washington?
Yes, Washington requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Washington?
Washington requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does Washington accept out-of-state RON?
Washington recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (RCW 42.45.090).