Become a Washington D.C. Notary Public

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Washington D.C. Notary Commission Overview

The step-by-step process for becoming a notary public in the state of Washington D.C. is detailed below. Once you are ready to shop for supplies, simply visit our store. As a national provider of notary supplies, notary bonds, insurance, and training, Notary.net has pretty much everything you need to become a Washington D.C. notary public.

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Importance of Washington D.C. Notary Public Training

As a notary public in the District of Columbia, you have unlimited financial liability on every document you notarize. You do not want to take the office of Notary Public lightly. The District of Columbia Online Notary Course is the fastest, easiest and most affordable way for you to learn what to do and how to protect yourself as a notary. Whether you are a new or current notary public, you should spend some time learning the laws.


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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Become a Washington, DC Notary Public

1. Complete the Washington D.C. Notary Public Application.

2. Upload an original Letter of Request, which should express the need for you to become a notary. More information is available in the DC Notary Handbook.

3. Pay the $75 fee.

4. Once your application has been approved, you must attend a mandatory orientation session covering the applicable notary laws, rules, regulations and policies in the District. You will be notified of the dates and times of the next two orientation sessions.

5. After you have completed your orientation session, you will receive your Appointment Notice. You cannot purchase DC notary supplies until you have received your Appointment Notice.

6. Purchase your DC notary embosser, notary journal, embosser inker/highlighter, and bond.

7. Take your completed bond and your notary supplies to the ONCA office to complete and take the oath of office.

8. Receive your Certificate of Appointment.

Congratulations! You are now a Washington DC notary public!

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Commission Term: 5 years
Minimum Age: 18 years old
Residency: Resident or DC Employee
Stamp/Seal: Required
Journal: Required
Bond: $2,000
Application Fee: $75
Eligibility: No major convictions
Other: Be able to read and write English

Address:
441 4th Street, NW
Suite 810 South
Washington DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-3117
Email: notary@dc.gov

Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, residents of the District of Columbia (if applying for a residential commission), or maybe residents of other jurisdictions whose primary place of business or employment is located in the District of Columbia (if applying for a business or government commission). If applying for a dual commission, the applicant must both live in DC and have a primary place of business or employment in DC.

D.C. Notary Public Types

Business: Applying on behalf of a business or company or self-employed. Your business must have a physical address in the District of Columbia and a DC phone number.
Residential: Applying on behalf of yourself to, for example, serve your community. This is not a commission for any work-related notarial acts. If you are applying for a residential commission, you must live in the District of Columbia with a physical address in DC.
DC Government: Applying only on behalf of an agency of the District of Columbia. You will only be allowed to perform notarial acts on behalf of the District of Columbia. No application fee is required. No surety bond is required.
Federal Government: Applying only on behalf of a Federal government agency located with a physical address within the District of Columbia. You will only be allowed to perform notarial acts on behalf of the federal government. No application fee is required. A surety bond is required.
Dual Business/Residential: Applying on behalf of yourself and your company/business. You may then perform notarial acts on behalf of your community as well as on behalf of your business. Only one application fee is required.
Dual DC Gov/DC: Applying on behalf of yourself and DC government. You will then have to pay an application fee and surety bond. You may then perform notarial acts beyond just for DC government.
Dual Federal Gov/Federal: Applying on behalf of yourself and the federal government. You will then have to pay the application fee and purchase the surety bond. You may then perform notarial acts beyond just for the federal government.