If you want to become a residential or business Notary Public in the District of Columbia, complete the following steps:
- Meet all of D.C.'s eligibility requirements.
- Complete the application on the Office of the Secretary's website.
- Submit a letter of request from your employer, two character references, and payment for the $75 application fee.
- Schedule your orientation.
- Receive your Appointment Notice that includes your commission date and bond form.
- Bring your completed bond form, Notary seal embosser and journal to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications where you’ll take your oath of office.
About the Washington D.C. Notary Process
The term of a Washington D.C. Notary Public commission is five years.
Below is more information about the application process for a Washington D.C. Notary Public commission.
Cost to Become a Washington D.C. Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Washington D.C. ranges from $229 to $260, depending on where you purchase your Notary bond and supplies.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application fee |
$75 |
| $2,000 surety bond |
$50 |
| Notary stamp or embosser |
$31 - $37 |
| Jurat stamp |
$43 |
| Notary journal |
$30 - $55 |
| Total Cost |
$229 - $260 |
Commission Processing Length
It takes 45 to 60 days to become commissioned as a District of Columbia Notary Public. This includes the application review, approval of your documentation, orientation and other requirements.
Washington D.C. Notary Public Requirements
Learn the training and supply requirements for a Notary commission in the U.S. capital.
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in the District of Columbia. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the U.S.
- Be a resident of or have a primary place of employment or practice in the District
- Not be disqualified to receive a commission under section 23
- Meet any other qualifications prescribed by rules issued by the Mayor
Application
Complete the application on the Office of the Secretary's website. Submit your letter of request and two character references with your application and pay the $75 application fee.
Notary Training
D.C. Notaries are required to go through a mandatory orientation within three weeks of submitting their application. The orientation will cover D.C. notarial laws and regulations as summarized in the Notary Public Handbook.
Orientation sessions are offered twice a month, usually on Mondays, at One Judiciary Square at the Office of the Secretary of the District.
Within two weeks, you will receive your Appointment Notice that includes your commission date and bond form.
Oath of Office
Bring your completed bond form, Notary seal embosser and journal to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 810 South. You’ll take your oath of commission.
Failure to do this within 60 days invalidates your commission at which point you will need to reapply.
Notary Supplies
Washington DC Notaries are required to use a Notary seal embosser for every notarization performed. The Notary seal must be an inked embosser and contain a circular border no larger than 1.75" with the required information:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- The words "Notary Public"
- The words "District of Columbia"
- Your commission expiration date
To make your seal photographically reproducible, you’ll need an embossment inker.
Additional Notary supplies you may need include a jurat stamp to imprint wording required to perform a jurat notarization, a "NOTARY PUBLIC" sign, and a journal.
Surety Bond
A $2,000 five-year bond is required for D.C. Notaries. Additionally, many choose to purchase errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies to protect themselves from legal expenses. E&O insurance is not a requirement in D.C.
Washington DC Notary Public FAQs
Have more questions about being a Washington D.C. Notary? We've got you covered.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Mayor through the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications, located in Washington, D.C., issues Notary Public commissions.
What are the types of Notary commissions in Washington D.C.?
In Washington D.C., there are seven types of Notary Public commissions: 1) Residential, 2) Business, 3) D.C. Government, 4) Federal Government, 5) Dual - Business, 6) Dual - Gov/D.C., and 7) Dual - Gov/Federal.
A residential Notary is a resident of Washington D.C. and serves on behalf of their community for an optional fee. Applicants must submit a residential letter of request and the application fee and purchase a surety bond.
A business Notary does not need to be a resident of Washington D.C. but must have a primary place of business or employment within the District to serve on behalf of their customers for an optional fee. Applicants must submit a business letter of request from their supervisor and the application fee and purchase a surety bond.
A D.C. government Notary serves on behalf of an agency of the District for no fee. Applicants must submit a business letter of request from their supervisor. There is no application fee or surety bond required.
A federal government Notary serves on behalf of a federal government agency for no fee. Applicants must submit a business letter of request from their supervisor and purchase a surety bond. There is no application fee required.
To apply for a dual commission, you must submit two letters of request (one from you and one from your supervisor) and the application fee and purchase a surety bond. Dual commissioned Notaries may charge fees for notarizations done in their residential commissions.
Where will I be able to notarize?
You will be able to notarize anywhere in the District of Columbia.
Who can I notarize for?
You may notarize for everyone, excluding yourself and your spouse. You cannot notarize your own signature or that of your spouse, nor can you notarize documents either of you are named in or would benefit from.
While the District of Columbia law doesn't specifically prohibit notarizing for a relative, the District highly advises against it due to a possible conflict of interest. If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
How much can Washington D.C. Notaries charge per notarial act?
District of Columbia Notaries may charge no more than $5 per notarization.
You may charge an additional fee for travel, but the signer must agree to it in advance. The fee should not exceed the actual and reasonable expense of traveling to a place where the notarial act will be performed if it's not the usual place where you perform notarizations.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
Any changes to your address or name must be reported to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications immediately.
- Address changes: Complete the Change of Address During Commission form and email it to notary@dc.gov. You must include proof you have notified your surety bond company of the change in address.
- Name changes: Complete the Change of Name on Notary Commission form and send it to ONCA by mail or email. You must attach a copy of the legal document showing your name change and proof you have notified your surety bond company of the change in name.
Afterward, get a new Notary seal and jurat certificate stamp, and visit ONCA to complete an oath page with embossed seal impressions that reflect the name change.
What is the process to renew as a D.C. Notary Public?
The process to renew as a Notary Public in Washington D.C. is the same as applying for a new commission except you're not required to attend orientation unless your commission has been expired for one year or more.
It’s recommended to begin the renewal process no later than six weeks before your commission expires. You may buy a new Notary seal to reflect your updated commission expiration date as well as a new Notary journal if your old one is full.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Washington D.C.?
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Last updated: Oct 24, 2025