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Can I Notarize For A Signer In Washington, D.C.?

New Hotline Resized 3

I am commissioned by the state of Maryland. Am I allowed to notarize a document for a resident in the District of Columbia? S.C., Maryland

No. Any notarization you perform must take place within the borders of Maryland (ACM St. Gov. 18-109).  If the District resident was present in Maryland with you, you could notarize their document.

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

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6 Comments

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Teri Raad

30 Apr 2020

I am a notary in Maryland, can I remote notarize someone in DC

National Notary Association

30 Apr 2020

Hello. Maryland has enacted emergency RON guidelines you can find here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2020/03/states-emergency-action-remote-notarization

sasaylor1970@cox.net

08 Apr 2021

Does this response apply to city of Washington, D.C. itself only? What about inside buildings owned by the Federal Government?

National Notary Association

09 Apr 2021

Hello. Just to be clear, are you asking if the Hotline Tip response applies to Maryland Notaries, or are you asking about a different state's Notary requirements?

Shane Saylor

09 Apr 2021

I am asking if a Maryland notary can notarize in a federal building in Washington, D.C. as long as the building is not owned and operated by the city of Washington, DC.

National Notary Association

12 Apr 2021

Hello. The answer is no. Maryland Notaries only have authorization to notarize within the borders of their own state (ACM St. Gov’t 18-109). Who owns or operates property at the location does not affect this; if the location is outside the borders of Maryland the Notary may not notarize there.

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