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Notary Requirements for Washington, D.C.: 2025 Updated

by Ben Camerota
Front view of the Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Smithsonian Castle, in Washington, D.C., with its red sandstone facade, central clock tower, and surrounding trees under a clear blue sky.

This guide provides comprehensive information on becoming and renewing as a notary public in Washington D.C. as of May 2025. It covers eligibility, the application process, renewals, required tools, remote notarization rules, and answers common questions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a D.C. Notary Public commission, you must:

  • Age: Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Citizenship/Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

  • Residency/Business Location:

    • Residential Commission: Be a resident of D.C.

    • Business/Government Commission: Be a resident of another jurisdiction with primary place of business/employment in D.C. (requires physical D.C. address and phone).

    • Dual Commission: Live in D.C. AND have primary business/employment in D.C.

  • Character/Qualifications: Not have convictions for crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, or prior notary commission revocation.

  • Language Proficiency: If notarizing in languages other than English, attest to ability to read/write those languages.

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Application Process for New Notary Commission (Online)

The process is primarily online.

  1. Complete Online Application: Submit via link on ONCA website. Must be typed. Have a Letter of Request ready.

  2. Letter of Request: Typed letter. Business/Government: From supervisor on letterhead (physical D.C. address/phone). Residential: Self-letter on personal letterhead explaining residential use.

  3. Orientation Session: Mandatory for first-time applicants and those lapsed >12 months. Email invitation sent after fee payment.

  4. Submit Application: Cannot be saved. Submit once all info is ready. Email notification follows.

  5. Pay Application Fee: After initial review (2-3 days), email notice to pay non-refundable $75.00 fee online (credit card). (D.C./federal government employees exempt).

  6. Await Approval and Appointment Notice: Total processing ~45-60 days. Formal Appointment Notice emailed ~2 weeks prior to commissioning date.

  7. Purchase Supplies and Surety Bond: Only after receiving Appointment Notice. Notice includes surety bond form.

Fees Associated with Initial Commissioning

  • Application Fee (New/Renewal): $75.00 (to D.C. Treasurer).

  • Notary Supplies: ~$65-$70 (from vendors).

  • Surety Bond: ~$50 (from surety company).

  • Total Estimated Cost (5-year term): ~$190-$195 (excluding exemptions).

Surety Bond

A surety bond (cost ~$50) is required for most D.C. notaries for the 5-year term.

  • Exception: Not required if commissioned solely for D.C. government employment.

  • Form: Provided by ONCA with Appointment Notice.

  • Purpose: Protects the public.

  • Changes: Notify surety bond company of name/employment changes.

Notary Seal and Journal Requirements

A. Notary Seal (Stamp/Embosser): Mandatory. Authenticate notarial acts with an official seal.

  • Format: Physical stamp or embosser for tangible records; electronic seal for e-notarization.

  • Obtaining: Purchase after receiving Appointment Notice.

  • Security: Safeguard; report loss/theft.

B. Notary Journal (Record Book): D.C. Code § 1-1231.18 requires notaries to maintain a journal.

  • Electronic Notaries: Electronic Notarization Handbook details "Electronic Journal Requirements."

  • Recommendation: Keeping a detailed journal is best practice for all notaries.

Oath of Office and Commission Recording

  • Administer Oath: New applicants take permanent oaths at ONCA office. E-notaries take oaths by phone. Must be done within sixty (60) business days of commission beginning date. Attestation for other languages signed at oath.

  • Record Commission: ONCA approves and commissions. ONCA maintains a public notary database.

Commission Term and Expiration

  • Term: Five (5) years.

  • Cycle: Commissions begin 1st/15th of month (except Jan 2nd); end 14th/last day (except Jan 1st).

  • Expiration: Authority ends. Cannot notarize if expired.

Commission Renewal Process

  • Renewal Window: Same as new application, but no orientation. Application must be approved at least 45 days before current commission expiration to avoid lapse. (If seeking e-notary endorsement, cannot submit within 4 months of commission expiration).

  • Renew Online: Submit online application. Non-refundable fee: $75.00.

  • Reminders: ONCA does not send renewal reminders.

  • Lapsed Commission: If expired, wait until oath taken for new commission date. If an oath is not taken within 60 business days of Appointment Notice, must reapply.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Washington D.C.

A. Overview and Legality of RON: RON is legal (D.C. Code § 1-1231.13a). In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) also authorized since March 30, 2023 (signer physically present, notary uses tech).

B. Requirements for Becoming a Washington D.C. Remote Online Notary (e-Notary/IPEN):

  • Existing Commission: Must hold active D.C. traditional notary commission (taken oath).

  • Mandatory Training: New e-notary applicants: complete training via outside vendor, provide proof.

  • Online Application: Submit e-notary application online.

  • Specify Vendor: Provide name of software/vendor (ONCA does not list approved vendors for IPEN; search "IPEN").

  • Oath of Office (Phone): E-notary endorsement requires oath by phone. If not taken within 10 business days of ONCA contact, endorsement canceled.

  • Endorsement: Not a new commission; an endorsement on existing commission (same term).

C. Training and Examination: Mandatory training via outside vendors for new e-notary applicants. Orientation for new traditional notaries. D.C. Code § 1-1231.21 mandates training.

D. Approved Remote Technology Vendors: ONCA does not provide a list for IPEN.

E. Identification Procedures for Remote Notarization: Personal knowledge OR oath/affirmation of credible witness (personally known to notary) OR valid government-issued ID (state, federal, consulate) with photo and signature.

F. Record Keeping for RON: D.C. Code § 1-1231.18 requires a "Journal." Electronic Notarization Handbook details "Electronic Journal Requirements." RON platform tech often includes recording features.

G. Location Requirements for Notary and Principal during RON: IPEN: Signer physically present. RON (§ 1-1231.13a): Notary in D.C., signer remote. All D.C. notarial acts (traditional or remote) are for use within D.C. borders; D.C. notaries cannot notarize outside D.C.

H. Excluded Documents for RON: Cannot notarize: birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates; most federal docs (FBI fingerprints, original passports, I-9s); 501(c)(3) determinations.

General Notary Public Duties and Best Practices

  • Scope of Acts: Acknowledgments, oaths/affirmations, verifications, witnessing signatures, certifying copies, protests, depositions.

  • Conflicts/Prohibitions: No notarizing own signature, or for self/spouse if direct beneficial interest. No UPL, no preparing real estate/probate docs. Signers must appear, be ID'd, understand, not coerced.

  • Fees: Max $5.00 per act. Government notaries no fee on duty.

  • Changes (Name, Address, Status): Use PDF forms on ONCA site, email to [email protected]

Official Resources and Contact Information

  • Washington D.C. ONCA:

  • Legal Framework: D.C. Code, Title 1, Chapter 12A (RULONA).

  • Handbooks: D.C. Notary Handbook, Electronic Notarization Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements to become a Washington D.C. Notary Public?

A: ≥18, U.S. citizen/permanent legal resident, D.C. resident or primary D.C. business/employment. No disqualifying convictions (fraud, dishonesty).

Q: How much does it cost to become a Washington D.C. Notary Public?

A: $75 application fee. Plus supplies (~$65-$70) and surety bond (~$50 if applicable). Total ~$190-$195.

Q: Is a notary bond required in Washington D.C.?

A: Yes, surety bond (~$50) required for most. D.C. government employees exempt.

Q: Do I need a notary seal or stamp in Washington D.C.?

A: Yes, official seal (inked stamp or embosser for paper; e-seal for e-docs) mandatory.

Q: Am I required to keep a notary journal or record book?

A: D.C. Code § 1-1231.18 mandates a journal. E-notaries have specific electronic journal requirements.

Q: How long is a Washington D.C. Notary Public commission valid?

A: Five (5) years.

Q: How do I renew my Washington D.C. Notary Public commission?

A: Same as the new application (no orientation). Online, $75 fee. Renew at least 45 days before expiration. ONCA does not send reminders.

Q: Is an exam or training required to become a notary in Washington D.C.?

A: First-time traditional notaries: orientation session. New e-notary applicants: mandatory training (outside vendor). D.C. Code mandates training generally.

Q: Can I perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Washington D.C.?

A: Yes (RON for remote signers, IPEN for in-person electronic). Requires active commission, e-notary training, use of chosen (not ONCA-listed) tech provider, and phone oath for endorsement.

Q: What activities are prohibited for a Washington D.C. Notary Public?

A: No legal advice, no representing in court, no preparing real estate/probate docs. No notarizing for self/spouse or if direct beneficial interest. Cannot notarize vital records or most federal docs.

Always rely on official Washington D.C. ONCA resources for the most current information.

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