To ensure your eligibility for the program, carefully consider the bespoke terms in the following list, and then only apply upon confirming that you have met each and every single requirement.
Prior to anything else, go to the website of the Office of the Secretary, and download their Notary Public application.
If you work somewhere, a parent company of sorts if you will, get a letter from that company (if however, this situation does apply to you) explaining the main reason that makes it necessary for you to be granted a Notary commission that ratifies your application.
Go to the office and pay a fee of $75 as an application cost.
In a span of three weeks, an email/phone call from the side of the office will be reaching out to you to set the date and time with a mandatory orientation session that is required to be attended, which takes about two hours. The idea is to provide you with all the necessary information and to be the mentor during your first year.
Then, once the orientation is over, the commissioning letter will be released to you and very soon the process for the bond will be disclosed.
Arrange the embosser and journal. Make sure you also order some of the BlueNoary tools ahead of time to support your business as it expands.
Visit the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications to swear your oath of office at between 60 days after and the day of your commission date. This oath-taking procedure establishes the commission.
You might want to secure an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy for extra financial protection though it is not mandatory.
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Now, if you happen to have started showing interest in expanding your business boundaries as a notary, we have good news for you. It means we have a course designed especially for you to begin vigorously and accelerate a business development. This direction is specifically executed for persons who are interested in pulling in more clients and those who are willing to do a lot of groundwork.
A 1-Year Subscription to BlueNotary Pro Hybrid
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Digital Certificate and an E-seal for LIFETIME
Document Handling Programme
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If you are still looking for more details and the quickest way to jump into the notary industry ocean, and become a notary, then you can go over to the website to find out more!
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How Can One Become a Notary in the District of Columbia? – What are the Conditions?
Being a Notary Public in Washington, D.C., means you can acknowledge the signing of crucial documents and authenticate the presence of the signatories. Nonetheless, to become a notary, you must meet the following criteria:
You should be no younger than 18 years old.
You have to be a U.S. Citizen or a holder of a Permanent Resident Card.
Have your residency in the District of Columbia.
Your primary work or practice station must be based in the District.
Meeting these requirements is the onset of your journey toward becoming a Notary Public in Washington, D.C. If you meet the qualifications and would like to go forward with the process, download an application and learn about the commission types and the remaining steps on the website of The Office of the Secretary.
What types of Notary commissions are there in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., issues the following Notary Public commissions:
Residential: Can be done at a low cost (optional fee).
Business: Serve clients (optional fee), the business location has to be in D.C.
Government: Services can be provided at D.C. or federal agencies (no fee); for some agencies, a supervisor’s authorization is required.
Dual Commissions: By combining two acts, for example, Residential and Business, you can render a broad range of services (fees are allowed for residential acts).
Get A Quote based on where you live, the person you are serving, and your preference for the fee.
How Do I Calculate the Cost of Acquiring a Notary Public License in the District of Columbia?
The required payment for the candidate for D.C. Notary Public consists of the compulsory application fee amounting to $75 and a variable cost for a notary supply package. New Notaries can also seek optional training programs offered by professional organizations such as the BlueNotary Academy to acquire the necessary knowledge.
What is a Letter of Request?
The letter of request is a letter that suggests your reasons behind applying for a Notary commission and how it is in the best interest of D.C. (the free Notary scheme for the community, helping business clients, and the like.). Not only it highlights the writer’s qualifications (residential, business, etc.) but also the availability part (if any).
Must-Haves:
Official letter shape with respective letterhead (they should correspond to the application address)
D.C. phone number (especially recommended for business commissions)
Your name
The grounds for asking for the commission and the good that will come from it
How Much Time is Required to Become a Notary in the District of Columbia?
The standard time to acquire a D.C. Notary Public from the initial stage to a fully functional Notary is 45 to 60 days. The period includes the application processing, the verification of the documents, the compulsory orientation, and the issuance of a commission.
What do the notaries of the District of Columbia need that they do not have?
To work as a Notary Public in D.C., you will be requiring some vital supplies, such as:
- Notary Seal: This inked embosser (circular, less than 1.75″) makes a clear imprint on paper. Paper of high quality is recommended to prevent ink from reeking and your notarized paper being repudiated. Also, a backup seal is advisable.
- Embossment Inker: Makes sure that the details of the Notary seal are clearly shown in the paper.
- Jurat Stamp: The text is pre-stamped for jurat notarizations.
- Notary Public Sign (Optional): Required in the case of non-government Notaries.
- Notary Journal: It is a sturdy, large ledger with numbered pages to keep the records of all the notarial acts performed in an orderly manner. If the journal is also tamper-proof, then the safety of the records is guaranteed.
In addition, merchants’ addresses have over the years become the main source of some or all of these supplies. On this basis, the packages cannot be assumed to be uniform in terms of quality and content. Depending on whether you are new or are renewing, choose the one package with which you are experienced.
How long in the District of Columbia is a Notary commission valid?
A nonlimited notary commission in Washington D.C lasts for a span of five years. After the period, you need to apply for renewal to still legally represent yourself as a Notary Public in D.C.
How do D.C. notaries manage insurance and bonding?
Without a doubt. A notary bond is a legal requirement for D.C. Notaries. Typically, it costs around $2,000 and is valid for five years. This bond is the public’s protection from a financial loss if a notary, by mistake or failure, causes damage to the public’s money.
Moreover, if they can afford, many notaries in D.C choose to have errors and omissions (E&O) insurance even if it is not mandatory. Errors and omissions insurance is that type of insurance that gives you additional protection by covering your legal fees for a lawsuit resulting from your error as a notary.
FAQs
Who is the Notary Supervisor in the District of Columbia?
The Mayor’s Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications is the authority for Notary Public commissions in the District of Columbia. It is seated locally in Washington, D.C.
Is it required to get the training to become a DC notary?
Simple online searches will result in numerous notary public training providers. However, the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) does not issue any endorsement of them. Therefore, a thorough check of the company’s background and reputation is advised before enrollment. Towards this end, it is suggested to select the BlueNotary Academy that has a strong Notary education background and examines D.C.-specific laws and best practices. Apart from that, you can choose a budget and learning style that suits you (online or in-person) so that you can best experience D.C. notarization profession
Where can I notarize the documents?
The permission lets you conduct the notarizations at any place inside the District of Columbia. This implies that you can carry out notarizations legally if you are within the boundaries of the District of Columbia no matter what your location is. This will grant you the opportunity to extend your client scope across a wide community in D.C. and serve
Who will be the signatories for notarization?
In D.C., you may notarize for anybody except for yourself, your spouse, or anyone named in the document (you or your spouse). D.C. law doesn’t specifically prohibit notarizing one’s relatives; however, it is strongly recommended to stay away from such situations so as to avoid conflicts. People who are employed may be subjected to special restrictions during the actual working hours.
What is the maximum amount permissible to be charged for notary services?
Notaries in D.C. can collect as much as $5 for each notarization. If you have to travel, you should only do so after the signer agrees, and the cost is reasonable (i.e. covers actual travel expenses).
Can you do online notary operation in the District of Columbia?
Indeed, the way of carrying out Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legitimate in Washington, D.C. Only in October 2020, the Remote Online Notarization Amendment Act of 2020 legally empowered RON. This offer has the objective of bridging the residents’ access to and ease during notary services.
Will my notary status be affected if I move or change my name?
Relocation? Let your commission remain active by quickly informing the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA). You can Download and send through email the form “Change of Address During Commission,” along with the proof that your surety bond company was notified.
Name Change? Inform ONCA about your name change. Complete the “Change of Name on Notary Commission” form and send it together with the legal documentation your name has changed and the proof of your surety bond company’s notification. Also, you will need to procure another Notary seal and jurat stamp with your new name. Moreover, visit ONCA to renew the oath page with the embossed seal impressions of your new name.
What are the potential legal challenges that a notary has to face in the District of Columbia?
Notaries Public might stumble upon legal trouble because of even slight errors (a simple ID verification). Signers who have experienced monetary losses due to your mistakes might sue you, and the legal costs will be quite high, even in the event of an acquittal. The $2000 surety bond provides the public with protection in the situation, however, the company could seek and recover the amount from you under these circumstances if proven to be the faulty party.
How do I renew my District of Columbia Notary Public Commission?
Re-application of your D.C. Notary certification is much like applying for a fresh one, except that you do not have to go to the orientation meeting again (unless your commission has already passed a year from the date of expiration). The renewal period should not be less than six weeks from the expiry of your present commission. Procedures and fees are the same as for the first application: you even have the option to do it all over again. You also might think about a new seal with an updated expiration date and a new record book if the old one is filled to capacity. Does this content make sense?
DISCLAIMER
This information is for general purposes only, not legal advice. Laws governing these matters may change quickly. BlueNotary cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. For specific legal questions, consult a local licensed attorney.
Last updated: March 21, 2025
