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How to Become a Notary in Washington, D.C.

To become a notary in Washington, D.C., you must:

  1. Meet the eligibility requirements listed in the next section.
  2. Complete an online notary application at the District of Columbia Office of the Secretary’s website. Review the Notary Public Handbook to learn each type of commission you are eligible to apply for. The application submitted online must include the following:
    •  The letter(s) of request explaining your need to become a notary for residential or business/ government reasons or both. Read the Notary Public Handbook to learn what must be included in the letter(s) of request.
    •  The names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of two individuals who are not family members or a supervisor and are willing to be character references.
  3. Pay online a $75 notary commission application fee once you receive an email notification from the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA). Applicants applying only to notarize documents on behalf a District of Columbia government agency or a federal government agency are exempt from the application fee but required for a dual commission.
  4. Attend a mandatory notary orientation session once your notary application is approved. You will automatically receive an email notification from ONCA giving you the date and time of the orientation session.
  5. Purchase a notary embosser, impression inker, notary journal, and jurat stamp when you receive the appointment notice. Note: District of Columbia notaries must provide a copy of the appointment notice to their chosen seal vendor in order for a notary seal to be manufactured.
  6. Purchase a $2,000 surety bond. Send your appointment notice and surety bond form to your surety bonding company so they can complete the surety bond form. The surety bond form is included with the appointment notice. Applicants commissioned only as a District of Columbia government notary do not have to purchase a surety bond.
  7. Take the following to ONCA to take the oath of office and to claim your notary public commission certificate:
    •  The original surety bond form completed by the surety company (if applicable).
    •  The surety bond payment receipt (if applicable). The bond payment receipt must be marked “Paid in Full” and include the amount paid, the date it was paid, your name as it appears on the appointment notice, the actual start and end date of your notary commission, and the address where the commission is held.
    •  Your notary supplies.
     

Important:

  • If you fail to claim your notary public commission within sixty days of the effective date on the appointment notice, your notary public commission will be canceled, and you will have to re-apply.
  • You cannot perform notarial acts until you have claimed your notary commission certificate and have taken the oath of office.
  • You cannot perform notarial acts before the effective date of your notary commission.
     

Visit the Office of the Secretary's website for more information on how to become a notary in the District of Columbia.

Who can become a notary public in Washington, D.C.?

To become a notary in the District of Columbia, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Be 18 years of age or older.
  2. Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States.
  3. Be a resident of the District of Columbia (if applying for a residential commission) or a resident of another jurisdiction with a primary place of business or employment located in the District of Columbia (if applying for a business or government commission). If applying for a dual commission, you must live in the District of Columbia and have a primary place of business or employment in the District of Columbia.
  4. Not be disqualified from receiving a commission under Section 23 of the Act (D.C. Official Code § 1-1231.22) and Section 2428 of Chapter 17-24 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

This Washington, D.C. notary guide will help you understand:

  1. Who can become a notary in the District of Columbia.
  2. How to become a notary in the District of Columbia.
  3. How to become an electronic notary in the District of Columbia.
  4. The basic duties of a notary in the District of Columbia.
Apply Online Renew Online

How do I renew my notary commission in Washington, D.C.?

To renew your District of Columbia notary commission, follow the same steps you took when you applied to become a notary the first time. If your notary commission has lapsed for more than twelve months, you are considered a new notary applicant and are required to attend a notary orientation session.

Before applying for reappointment, check the Notary Application Renewal Timetable to see when you should submit your notary application. Generally, the application for reappointment must be approved at least forty-five days before the expiration date of your current notary commission to avoid a lapse.

To apply for reappointment as a notary public, go to the Office of the Secretary's website.

Who appoints notaries in Washington, D.C.?

District of Columbia notaries public are appointed by the D.C. Mayor; however, the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications approves and commissions applicants as District of Columbia notaries public. The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications is a division of the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia.

Office of the Secretary
Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications
441 4th Street, NW
Suite 810 South
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 727-3117
Fax: (202) 727-8457

Can a non-resident of Washington, D.C. apply for a commission as a notary public?

Yes. A non-resident notary applicant can become a District of Columbia notary public if the applicant:

  1. Meets the statutory eligibility requirements of a resident of the District of Columbia (excluding the residency requirement).
  2. Has a primary place of employment or practice in the District of Columbia.
  3. Follows the same application for appointment process of a resident applicant.

How long is a notary public's commission term in Washington, D.C.?

The term of office of a District of Columbia notary public is five years. A notary cannot notarize documents after their notary commission expires without first renewing their notary commission.

Is notary training or an exam required to become a notary or to renew a notary commission in Washington, D.C.?

The District of Columbia notary laws require each new applicant to attend a mandatory orientation session covering the applicable notary laws, rules, regulations, and policies in the District of Columbia. The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications will schedule the orientation after a notary application is approved, and each applicant will be notified of the date and time of the orientation. Applicants are automatically notified of two sessions. A notary public whose commission expired less than twelve months ago and who wishes to re-apply for a new notary commission is not required to attend an orientation session.

How much does it cost to become a notary public in Washington, D.C.?

The cost to become a notary in the District of Columbia includes:

  1. A $75 notary commission application fee to process your notary application.*
  2. A $2,000 surety bond.*
  3. A notary seal. Click here to view our notary seal embosser prices.
  4. A notary seal impression inker. Click here to view the price for our notary seal impression inker.
  5. A jurat stamp. Click here to view the price for our jurat stamp.
  6. A journal to record all notarial acts performed. Click here to view our notary journal prices.

Other expenses include the cost of purchasing a notary errors and omissions insurance policy (optional). This insurance policy is designed to protect you if you are sued for unintentional mistakes or if a false claim is filed against you.

* See the Become a Notary section for exemptions.

Do I need a notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to become a notary in Washington, D.C.?

A notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy is not required to become a District of Columbia notary public or to renew your notary commission. However, the American Association of Notaries strongly recommends that every District of Columbia notary obtain a notary E&O insurance policy. A notary E&O policy covers unintentional notarial mistakes and pays for legal fees and damages based on the coverage you select as a District of Columbia notary public.

Do I need a notary bond to become a notary in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. An assurance in the form of a surety bond or its functional equivalent for $2,000 (if applicable) is required for new and renewing notaries public. The assurance must be issued by a surety or other entity licensed or authorized to do business in the District of Columbia.

Business, residential, and federal government-commissioned notaries public must acquire a $2,000 surety bond covering the five-year commission term. Notaries public who are commissioned only on behalf of the government in the District of Columbia are exempt from the legal requirement of a surety bond, but any dual commission requires a surety bond.

A notary bond protects the public from notary errors. If a member of the public files a claim against a notary’s bond, the bonding company is very likely to sue the notary to recoup the funds it paid on the notary’s behalf. A notary bond does not protect notaries from mistakes they make. This is why notary errors and omissions insurance (commonly known as “E&O” or “E&O insurance”) is vital.

Do I need to order a notary stamp in Washington, D.C.?

The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) requires all notary applicants to purchase a notary seal embosser, jurat stamp, impression inker, and notary journal to become a District of Columbia notary public.

17 DCMR 2404.1 and a notary’s appointment notice provides the legal specifications regarding the layout and information required on the notary seal. The notary seal must include the following:

  • The notary’s name at the top, exactly as indicated on the commission.
  • The words “Notary Public” in the center.
  • The words “District of Columbia” at the bottom
  • The notary’s commission expiration date in the center.
  • A border in a circular shape no larger than one and three-quarter inches (1.75 in.) surrounding the required words.
     

Note:

  • A notary seal cannot contain the District of Columbia corporate seal (17 DCMR 2404.5).
  • D.C. Official Code § 1-1231.15(3) provides the legal specifications regarding the information required on the jurat stamp.

The American Association of Notaries offers quality notary stamps and seals at savings of up to 40% compared to the cost of the same products elsewhere. Click here to order your District of Columbia notary seal, jurat stamp, complete notary package, and other notary supplies.

What are the steps to replace a lost or stolen Washington, D.C. notary seal?

If your notary seal is lost or stolen, you must:

  1. File a police report.
  2. Complete a Lost or Stolen Seal form.
  3. Mail or email the Lost or Stolen Seal form to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) within ten business days of discovering the seal was lost or stolen and include a copy of the police report. Note: If the report is not immediately available, you can email it at a later time.
  4. Order a new notary seal with a distinct marking such as a star (*) or dot to distinguish it from the lost or stolen notary seal.
  5. Take your new notary seal to ONCA and a copy of the police report so you may provide them with a new notary seal impression.
     

Note:

  • If your original notary seal, that was lost or stolen, is found or recovered after a replacement has been obtained, you must destroy the original seal.
  • A notary seal that is damaged or otherwise incapable of affixing a legible image must be reported to ONCA (Code of the District of Columbia § 1–1231.17). You must also purchase a new seal with a distinct marking and provide ONCA with your new seal impression.

How much can a Washington, D.C. notary public charge for performing notarial acts?

The maximum fees a notary public may charge for notarial acts under 17 DCMR 2425.1 are:

Traditional Notarial Acts:

  • Witnessing or attesting a signature - $5.00
  • Taking an acknowledgment or a verification upon oath or affirmation - $5.00
  • Certifying or attesting a copy - $5.00
  • Administering an oath or affirmation - $5.00

Electronic Notarial Acts (Pursuant to 17 DCMR 2409.1) – An electronic notary may charge a reasonable fee based on the electronic technology that the electronic notary uses if that fee is agreed to in advance with the customer and itemized separately on the invoice.

Remote Notarial Acts – A District of Columbia remote notary may charge $25.00 to perform a remote notarization.

A notary or electronic notary:

  • Commissioned solely on behalf of the D.C. or federal government is prohibited by law from charging for notarial services.
  • May waive the fee or charge less than the maximum fee but may not charge more than the maximum fee.
  • May, in addition to the fees described in 17 DCMR 2425.1, charge the actual costs of copying any instrument or record. The notary may not charge any other additional fees when performing the notarial act in the notary’s place of business or residence.
  • May charge a travel fee in addition to the fees listed in 17 DCMR 2425.1 when traveling to perform a notarial act if:
    (a)  the notary public and the individual requesting the notarial act agree upon the travel fee in advance of the travel;
    (b)  the notary public explains to the individual requesting the notarial act that the travel fee is in addition to the notarial fee stated in 17 DCMR 2425.1 and is not required by law;
    (c)  the fee is for travel to a place that is not the usual place where the notary public performs notarial acts; and
    (d)  the fee does not exceed the actual and reasonable expense of traveling to the place where the notarial act is to be performed.


Note: Remote notarizations are not allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but this law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

Is a notary journal required in Washington, D.C.?

Notary journal requirements for traditional, electronic notarizations, and remote notarizations in the District of Columbia – Notaries, electronic notaries, and remote notaries are required by law to keep a notary journal of all notarial acts performed. Notary journals can be maintained in a tangible or electronic format. A notary public may maintain a separate notary journal for tangible records and for electronic records. If the notary journal is kept electronically, the journal must use a tamper-evident technology. If the notary journal is kept physically, it must be a permanent bound register with numbered pages.

A notary journal (also known as a record book, log book, or register book) is your first line of defense in proving your innocence if a notarial act you performed is questioned or if you are requested to testify in a court of law about a notarial act you performed in the past. A properly recorded notarial act creates a paper trail that will help investigators locate and prosecute signers who have committed forgery or fraud. Properly recorded notarial acts provide evidence that you followed your state laws and notary’s best practices.

The American Association of Notaries offers notary journals in tangible and electronic formats.

Click here to purchase a tangible notary journal.

Click here to become a member and access our electronic notary journal.

Note: Remote notarizations are not allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but the law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

What information must Washington, D.C. notaries record in their notary journals?

For Traditional Notarizations, Electronic Notarizations, and Remote Notarizations – The District of Columbia requires notaries to chronicle the following information in their notary journals:

  1. The date and time of the notarial act.
  2. A description of the record, if any, and type of notarial act.
  3. The full name and address of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed.
  4. If the identity of the individual is based on personal knowledge, a statement to that effect.
  5. If the identity of the individual is based on satisfactory evidence, a brief description of the method of identification and the identification credential presented, if any, including the date of issuance and expiration of an identification credential when such a credential is used.
  6. The fee, if any, charged by the notary.
  7. The signature of each individual for whom the notarial act is performed.
     

Note:

  • Notaries performing remote notarial acts are not required to collect and maintain the signatures of the signers when those notarizations were performed remotely. For any remote notarial act, the notary must note in his or her journal that the notarization was performed remotely (17 DCMR 2423.3).
  • Remote notarizations are not allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but the law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

What steps should I take if my Washington, D.C. notary journal is lost or stolen?

If your notary journal is lost or stolen, you must:

  1. Notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) within ten business days of discovering the journal was lost or stolen.
  2. Order a new notary journal within fifteen business days of discovering your journal was lost or stolen.

How long should I retain my Washington, D.C. notary journal?

District of Columbia notaries public must retain their notary journals for the entire tenure of their notary commissions. We recommend you keep your notary journal indefinitely.

Note:

  • On resignation from, or the revocation or suspension of, your notary public commission, you must transmit your journal to the D.C. Mayor.
  • On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a current or former notary public, the notary's personal representative or guardian or any other person knowingly in possession of the journal shall transmit it to the D.C. Mayor.

Where can I perform notarial acts in Washington, D.C.?

District of Columbia notaries are authorized to perform notarial acts while physically located anywhere within the geographic borders of the District of Columbia.

What notarial acts can a Washington, D.C. notary public perform?

Traditional Notarizations - A District of Columbia notary public is authorized to:

  • Witness or attest a signature
  • Take an acknowledgment or a verification upon oath or affirmation
  • Certify or attest a copy
  • Administer an oath or affirmation

Electronic Notarizations and Remote Notarizations – Electronic notaries and remote notaries are authorized to:

  • Take an acknowledgment.  
  • Take a verification on oath or affirmation.
  • Witness or attest a signature.
  • Certify or attest a copy.
  • Note a protest of a negotiable instrument, if the notary public is:
    (1)  licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia;
    (2)  acting under the authority of an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia or a U.S. state; or
    (3)  acting under the authority of a financial institution regulated by the District of Columbia, a U.S. state, or the federal government.
     

Note: Remote notarizations are not allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but the law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

What type of notarizations are allowed in Washington, D.C.?

A District of Columbia notary is allowed to perform the following types of notarizations:

Traditional notarizations – This type of notarization requires the signer and the notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. Traditional notarization involves an individual signing a tangible document with an inked pen and a notary public signing and affixing an inked notary stamp impression to the tangible notarial certificate.

Electronic notarizations (also known as in-person electronic notarizations) – This type of notarization requires the signer and the electronic notary to meet physically in the same room within face-to-face proximity of one another. However, the notarization is performed on an electronic document using electronic signatures, an electronic notary seal, and an electronic notarial certificate.

Note: In a remote notarization a remote notary uses electronic technology and performs notarizations using audio visual technology. The person having the document notarized appears on tamper-evident audio-visual technology for the notarization. Remote notarizations are NOT allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but this law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

What are the steps to become an electronic notary in Washington, D.C.?

To become an electronic notary in the District of Columbia, you must:

  1. Be a commissioned District of Columbia notary public.
  2. Acquire the software needed to perform electronic notarizations from a technology provider.
  3. Complete a notary application for an e-notary endorsement on the ONCA’s website.
  4. Pay online the $30 non-refundable application fee once you’ve been notified by ONCA. Note: This step is not required for D.C. government and federal government applications.
  5. Take an e-notary training course through an outside vendor.
  6. Submit your training certificate of completion to ONCA. Please use the link provided in the training email you received from ONCA to upload the certificate of completion.
  7. Acquire an electronic notary seal, electronic signature, and electronic jurat after you receive an endorsement notice from ONCA.
  8. Take the oath of office over the phone once ONCA has provided you with an oath of office page and contacted you. Important: If you do not take the oath within ten business of a member of the ONCA staff first contacting you, the endorsement will be cancelled, and you will have to apply again.
  9. Place your electronic notary seal, electronic signature, and electronic jurat on the oath of office page.
  10. Upload your oath of office page using the link on the email you received from ONCA.
     

You may perform electronic notarizations after you receive your electronic notarial endorsement certificate from ONCA.

For more information on becoming an electronic notary in the District of Columbia, visit the Office of the Secretary’s website.

What are the steps to become a remote notary in Washington, D.C.?

Remote notarizations are not allowed in the District of Columbia at this time. The Council passed a law allowing for remote notarizations, but this law has not yet been implemented. Please check the Office of the Secretary’s website for updates.

How do I update my address on my Washington, D.C. notary commission?

A District of Columbia notary public whose residence, business, government agency, or employer address changes during the term of their commission has fifteen business days to notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA).

To update your residence address with ONCA, you must:

  1. Complete a Change of Address During Commission form and email it to ONCA within fifteen business days of the change.
  2. Notify your surety bond company of the address change and email to ONCA proof that you have notified your bonding company.
     

Change of Employer: Your notary commission can be transferred to your new employer whose offices are physically located in the District of Columbia if the new employer agrees to allow the commission to be transferred.

To transfer your notary commission to your new employer, you must:

  1. Complete a Change of Employment During Commission form.
  2. Have your new employer prepare a letter of request stating why the business needs you to perform notarial services. The letter must be on letterhead with a D.C. address that matches the D.C. address on the change of employment form and must include a D.C. phone number.  The letter must have an original or valid electronic signature.
  3. Email the change of employment form and letter of request to ONCA.
  4. Notify your surety bond company of the change of employment and email to ONCA proof that you have notified your bonding company.
     

Note:

  • If an employer will not allow you to transfer your notary commission, you must resign the commission and send your notary seal and journal to ONCA.
  • If you have been commissioned as a notary on behalf of the District of Columbia government or a federal government agency and will no longer be employed at that agency, you must resign your commission and apply as a new notary.
  • ONCA will not recognize a document notarized by a notary public whose name or place of business has changed unless the notary has complied with these requirements.
  • No fee will be charged for an address change.

How do I change my name on my notary commission in Washington, D.C.?

If your name has legally changed during the term of your District of Columbia notary public commission, you have fifteen business days to notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA)

To change your name for your District of Columbia notary commission, you must:

  1. Complete a Change of Name on Notary Commission form.
  2. Notify your surety bond company of the name change.
  3. Email the following to ONCA:
    (a) a copy of the legal document showing your change of name;
    (b) a document that provides proof that your surety bond company has been notified of your name change;
    (c) the completed change of name form.
  4. Purchase a new notary seal and jurat notarial certificate stamp.
  5. Travel to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications to complete an oath page and to provide the office with an impression of your new notary seal.

Once you’ve completed the steps above, you will be issued a new notary commission certificate.

Note:

  • There is no name change fee.
  • If your name change occurs at the time of renewal, you should complete a new notary application with your new name. When you fill out the notary application, your request letter should state your previous name and include the legal document showing the change of name.

Revised:

February 2024

Legal disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. We do not claim to be attorneys and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. You should always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for any legal matters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss, or consequential loss, out of or in connection with the use of the information contained on any of the American Association of Notaries website pages. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their state’s notary authorities or attorneys if they have legal questions. 

Notary bonds and errors and omissions insurance policies provided by this insurance agency, American Association of Notaries, Inc., are underwritten by Western Surety Company, Universal Surety of America, or Surety Bonding Company of America, which are subsidiaries of CNA Surety.