How to Become a Notary in District of Columbia

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

Yes

Exam Required

Yes

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in District of Columbia

Education Final:

Yes, must complete an approved training course.

Exam Final:

Yes, an exam is required

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

Business, residential, federal government and dual commissioned notaries public also must acquire a surety bond in the amount of $2000, covering the notary’s five year term. The bond is not an insurance policy. The bond serves for the protection of nembers of the public who may be affected as a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of the notary. Those commissioned only on behalf of the DC government do not have to purchase a surety bond, but any dual commission requires a surety bond.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $2,000 bond is required

Applictation:

Once you have your supplies, surety bond forms and receipt, you must then come into the ONCA office with your suppliesand surety bond and receipt to complete abd take the oath of office. The oath page includes the address of your commissions, the signature you will use when notarizing any document and the impression of your sealer. You may not perform any notarial acts until you have taken the oath. If you have your supplies, completed surety bond form and surety bond receipt prior to the date of your commission — whether new or renewal — you may come into the office and take the oath, but you may not perform notarial acts until the date of your commission. For those renewing the commission, there may be a lapse.

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

Take the Notary Fundamentals Course Today

Coming Soon

Get the clarity and tools you need to decide if notary work is right for you. This practical course explains what a notary does, the skills required, costs, and potential income — and guides you in building a personalized action plan to get commissioned and start finding work.

District of Columbia Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

District of Columbia notaries public are appointed by the D.C. Mayor; however, the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications approves and commissions applicants as District of Columbia notaries public. The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications is a division of the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.