What does Washington call proof of service?
Return, affidavit, or declaration
Document Guides
Washington proof of service
In-state and out-of-state personal service are different proof rules. The out-of-state sentence names a notary with a seal. It does not say a remote session satisfies that sentence.
iRemoteNotary Editorial Team
Published and reviewed by iRemoteNotary
Last reviewed October 7, 2026
Quick Answer
What proof does Washington use, and does it explicitly require a notary?
Return, affidavit, or declaration. In-state and out-of-state personal service are different proof rules. The out-of-state sentence names a notary with a seal. It does not say a remote session satisfies that sentence.
Do not assume a notary is required from the document title. Send the unsigned page if the signature block is unclear.
Proof at a glance
| Question | This jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Proof name | Return, affidavit, or declaration |
| Private server | In-state affidavit or unsworn declaration |
| Officer | Endorsed return |
| Traditional notary explicit? | Yes for out-of-state personal service |
| Perjury alternative? | Yes in state |
| Recipient acceptance of remote notarization | No express recipient-acceptance source was identified in the official materials reviewed. |
Current controlling rule
Washington proof is controlled, for this guide, by CR 4(g); RCW 5.50. In-state and out-of-state personal service are different proof rules. The out-of-state sentence names a notary with a seal. It does not say a remote session satisfies that sentence.
No single effective date is stored beyond the source that was reviewed on October 7, 2026.
What this jurisdiction calls the proof
The opened materials call it: Return, affidavit, or declaration. Classification used in the authority record: mixed by server type.
Private process server
Any other person files an affidavit. RCW 5.50 gives an unsworn declaration the same effect for in-state proof. Whether that statute displaces the out-of-state notary sentence was not resolved.
Sheriff, officer, or other listed server
A sheriff or deputy files an endorsed return.
Is an oath or notary explicitly required?
The answer depends on the form or the server. Read the signature block on the page that will be filed.
A penalty-of-perjury or unsworn-declaration alternative is part of the official path.
When a different kind of process uses different proof
out of state: CR 4(g)(6): personal service outside the state is proved by affidavit sworn before a notary public with a seal attached, or before a clerk of a court of record. The sentence does not mention remote appearance.
Limit of the source
RCW 5.50's effect on the out-of-state seal sentence was not resolved.
Remote online notarization and court acceptance
No express recipient-acceptance source was identified in the official materials reviewed.
Remote online notarization is performed under the law of the online notary's commissioning state. When the commission is a Florida commission, Florida's remote online notarization statute governs the notarial act. The court or other recipient still decides whether to accept the return.
If the page is only a declaration, certificate, or signed return, do not add a notary certificate.
Send the unsigned proof
Not sure whether your exact proof or return requires a notarial act? Send the unsigned document for review before scheduling.
What to send iRemoteNotary
- The unsigned proof, return, or affidavit
- The court, and that the case is connected to Washington
- The form number and revision if one is printed
- Whether the signature block is a jurat or a perjury declaration
Send the unsigned proof
Not sure whether your exact proof or return requires a notarial act? Send the unsigned document for review before scheduling.
Process-serving companies and law firms
A coordinator can submit the request. The signer is the person named on the certificate. There is no organization account, dashboard, volume price, or court-filing service.
One signer and one notarization is $25 domestically. Each additional notarization is $15. An additional signer is $10. A witness is $15. An international session coordination fee of $25 applies when a signer is outside the United States. An international session commonly starts at $50 for one signer and one notarization.
Send the unsigned proof
Not sure whether your exact proof or return requires a notarial act? Send the unsigned document for review before scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Does a sheriff or officer use the same signature block?
A sheriff or deputy files an endorsed return.
Is a penalty-of-perjury declaration an alternative?
Yes, on the path described on this page.
Did the official materials expressly accept remote notarization of the proof?
No express recipient-acceptance source was identified in the official materials reviewed.
Related pages
Sources and Official References
The following primary sources support the legal and procedural information in this guide. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the receiving organization before relying on a notarized document.
Washington Civil Rule 4(opens in a new tab)
Washington
Accessed October 7, 2026
Send the unsigned page
Not sure whether your exact proof or return requires a notarial act? Send the unsigned document for review before scheduling.