I have recently moved from Washington state to California. I believe that I am supposed to destroy my seal and keep safe possession of my journal. However, I’m unsure on how to end my commission in Washington, or if I even have to. Please advise what steps I need to take. — M.G., Washington
You are correct, if you move out of Washington state, you must resign your commission with the Department of Licensing in writing and destroy your Notary seal. You must also retain your journals for ten years and notify the Department of the location where they will be stored.” (RCW 42.45.180 & WAC 308-30-270[2]). You can contact the Department of Licensing at the following address:
Department of Licensing, Notaries Public Program
P.O. Box 9027
Olympia, WA 98507-9027
Phone: 360-664-1550
For more information about rules for disposing of old Notary seals in other states and guidelines for rendering obsolete Notary seals unusable, please see our article “What to do with old Notary seals.”
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
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