A Washington notary stamp must show your name as commissioned, your commission number, your commission expiration date, and the words notary public and state of Washington. Its size has a floor: at least 1 5/8 inches across if round, or at least 1 inch by 1 5/8 inches if rectangular. No ink color is set. Below: wording, size, devices, renewal, notices and ordering.
Engineer Seal Stamps compliance desk. Checked against RCW 42.45.150(1) and the Washington State Department of Licensing. Sources read September 2026.
| Requirement | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name | As it reads on your commission. | RCW 42.45.150(1) |
| Commission number | Required on the face. | RCW 42.45.150(1) |
| Expiration date | Required on the face. | RCW 42.45.150(1) |
| Fixed wording | state of Washington, and notary public. | RCW 42.45.150(1) |
| Round stamp | A diameter of 1 5/8 inches or more. | The Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Rectangular stamp | At least 1 inch wide and at least 1 5/8 inches long. | The Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Ink color | None is named. | Not addressed in the cited rules |
| Embosser | The statute contemplates one; in practice it works as a supplement. | The Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Term and renewal | Four years, or less if the assurance runs out sooner. A new stamp is needed at renewal. | The Washington State Department of Licensing |
| Lost or stolen stamp | Written notice within ten business days of learning of it. | The Washington State Department of Licensing |
Washington is one row in our notary seal requirements by state table, which sets each jurisdiction's rule side by side.
What must a Washington notary stamp show?
Five items under RCW 42.45.150(1): your name as commissioned, your commission number, the date your commission expires, and two fixed phrases, state of Washington and notary public.
Three of those are personal and two are fixed for everyone. The commission number is a required element by rule, and it is just as mandatory as the other four.
Our guide to Washington notary seal requirements covers each element, and our Washington notary public seal guidelines add a practical checklist.
Can you use an embosser?
The statute contemplates one, but in practice an embosser works as a supplement to the inked stamp rather than a replacement. Treat the inked stamp as your working device.
If you want a raised impression as well, order an embosser as a second tool. Our tips on Washington notary stamp law cover day-to-day use.
What ink color does Washington require?
None. No ink color is specified, so the color of a Washington notary stamp is left to you. The practical test is whether every line of the impression reads clearly.
A dark ink gives the cleanest impression of small details such as the commission number and date. Test your chosen color on the paper you use most.
How big must the stamp be?
At least 1 5/8 inches in diameter for a round stamp, or at least 1 inch wide by 1 5/8 inches long for a rectangular one. The figures are minimums, so they set a floor rather than a fixed size.
A minimum works differently from a cap. In Washington the risk is a stamp that is too small, so check the dimensions of any stock stamp before assuming it qualifies.
Should you pick a round or rectangular stamp?
Either shape works, since the rule gives a minimum for each. Choose based on how your name and commission number lay out, provided the stamp meets the minimum for the shape you pick.
A rectangle usually suits a long name on a single line, while a round stamp arranges the text around the edge. Ask for a proof in your chosen shape and confirm every item is readable.
What if your stamp is lost or stolen?
Notify the Department of Licensing. The statute asks for prompt notice, and the rule sets the firm limit: written notice within ten business days of learning the stamp was lost or stolen.
Put the notice in writing and keep a copy. Replace the stamp before your next notarization, using your current name, number and expiration date.
How do you report a name or address change?
Use the Department of Licensing's forms for both changes. Neither the statute nor the rules attach a numeric deadline to either change, so the timing is not set by a day count.
A name change reaches the stamp, because the name on the face is your name as commissioned. Plan an updated stamp that matches the name the Department holds for your commission.
How long does a Washington commission last?
Four years, unless your assurance expires first. The director issues the commission for four years or for a term ending on the date the assurance expires, and the earlier of the two applies.
Check your assurance date against the four-year mark. If the assurance ends sooner, so does the commission, and the expiration date on your stamp follows the commission.
Why does renewal call for a new stamp?
For two reasons. The statute makes your expiration date a required element, and a rule does the same for your commission number. Washington issues a new number with each new commission, so both change at renewal.
An old stamp therefore carries a stale date and a stale number, so it cannot follow you into the new term. Our note on Washington notary stamp renewal covers the timing.
Who oversees Washington notaries?
The Washington State Department of Licensing. Oversight moved to the Department from the Secretary of State with Washington's adoption of the revised uniform act, which took effect July 1, 2018. The Department now receives your notices.
For the application side, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a Washington notary commission.
What should you have ready when ordering?
Your name as commissioned, your commission number and your commission expiration date, plus your choice of a round or rectangular stamp that meets the minimum size for its shape.
The fixed words are the same for everyone. Our guide to a Washington notary kit helps round out the order.
How do you check a new stamp before first use?
Stamp a blank sheet and measure it. A round impression should be at least 1 5/8 inches across; a rectangular one at least 1 inch by 1 5/8 inches. Then read every item.
Compare your name, commission number and expiration date against your commission, character by character, and confirm both fixed phrases appear.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1 by 2.5 inch rectangle large enough?
Yes. It meets the 1 inch width minimum and exceeds the 1 5/8 inch length minimum.
Do I still send the lost-stamp notice if I replace the stamp right away?
Yes. The written notice is owed once you learn the stamp was lost or stolen, and a quick replacement does not take its place.
Does moving mean a new stamp?
No. Your address is not on the face. Report the move using the Department of Licensing's form.
Should I order the renewal stamp before or after the new commission issues?
After. Washington issues a new commission number with the new commission, and you need that number for the face.
Is there a maximum size?
The size rule summarized here is written only as minimums for each shape, and it states no upper figure.
Order a stamp that meets Washington's minimum size from our Washington stamps and seals collection.
