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

This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.

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

To become a Notary Public in the District of Columbia, you must complete the following steps:

Meet DC’s eligibility requirements for the commission type you’re applying for (residential, business, government, or dual).
Submit a Notary Public application to the ONCA with the required documentation and fee.
If approved, complete the required commissioning steps, including taking the oath as instructed by ONCA.
Obtain any required bond/assurance for your commission type (as applicable).
Purchase your official DC notary seal/sealer and maintain a notary journal (required in DC) before you begin notarizing.

Ready to get started?

Become a Washington D.C. Notary public today!

About the Washington D.C. Notary Process

Becoming a Notary Public in the District of Columbia is a valuable opportunity to provide essential services in legal, financial, and real estate transactions. In DC, the commission term for a Notary Public is five years. You must renew your commission before it expires to continue performing notarial acts.

Cost to Become a Notary in Washington D.C.

The total cost to become a Notary Public in the District of Columbia varies based on your commission type and the supplies you choose. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

Item	Cost	Details
DC Application Fee	Varies by commission type	Paid to the District of Columbia (ONCA) when submitting your application.
Notary Education Course (Supplemental)	$45 (example)	Optional supplemental training; does not replace any required DC commissioning steps.
Bond (if applicable)	Varies	Required for certain commission types (such as residential or business); amount and cost depend on provider.
Notary Seal or Sealer	$20 - $60	Required for performing traditional notarizations in DC.
Notary Journal (Required)	$20 - $40	DC requires a bound paper journal or compliant electronic journal for all notarial acts.
Total Estimated Cost	Varies	Total depends on commission type, bond cost (if required), and supply selections.

Full Course + Exam Resources:

Washington D.C. Commission Processing Time

According to DC’s Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA), processing times for a Notary Public commission application can vary based on application volume and whether your submission is complete. The review period begins once ONCA receives your completed application and required documentation.

District of Colombia Notary Requirements

To qualify as a District of Columbia Notary Public, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Residency/Employment: Meet the eligibility requirements for the commission type you are applying for (residential, business, government, or dual), which may require DC residency and/or employment in the District.
Legal Status: Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Language Ability: Be able to read and understand the notarial certificate you complete.
Good Standing: Not be disqualified due to grounds that could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation under DC notary law.

Who Is Ineligible to Become a District of Colombia Notary?

Certain individuals may be ineligible to receive or keep a Notary Public commission in the District of Columbia:

Disqualifying history or conduct: DC may deny an application, refuse to renew, suspend, revoke, or impose conditions if the applicant/notary demonstrates a lack of honesty, integrity, competence, or reliability—such as certain criminal convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit, or making false statements or omissions in the application process.
Failure to meet DC commission requirements: Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the commission type they are applying for (residential, business, government, or dual)—including required DC residency or DC-based employment where applicable—may be denied.
Noncompliance with DC notary law/rules: Notaries who violate DC notary laws or required standards (including misleading advertising or other prohibited conduct) may face discipline that affects eligibility to hold or renew a commission.

Notary Training Requirements

The District of Columbia does not require all first-time notary applicants to complete a specific state-approved education course before applying. However, DC does require applicants to follow the commissioning process through ONCA, including completing any required orientation or onboarding steps as instructed after approval.

A supplemental training course like NPA’s is designed to:

Familiarize you with DC notary laws, rules, and procedures.
Ensure you understand the responsibilities, limits, and impartial role of a DC notary public.
Help you avoid common certificate, identification, journal, seal, and fee mistakes that can lead to problems or discipline.

The NPA course can be completed online and is intended to support your preparation, but it does not replace any DC commissioning requirements.

Application Process

To officially apply for your District of Columbia Notary Public commission, you must:

Complete the DC Notary Application: Submit your application to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA), ensuring your name appears exactly as it will on your notarizations and that you select the correct commission type (residential, business, government, or dual).
Submit Required Documentation and Fee: Include the required DC application fee and any supporting documentation based on your commission type (such as employer-related documentation, if applicable).
Complete Commissioning Steps After Approval: If approved, follow ONCA’s instructions to complete the required onboarding steps, including taking the oath, before performing any notarial acts.
Monitor Application Updates: Follow any communications from ONCA regarding your application status, approval, or requests for corrections.

Notary Supplies

District of Columbia notary law requires Notaries to have the following supplies:

DC Notaries must use an official notary seal/sealer for traditional notarial acts, and DC also requires maintaining a notary journal to record all notarial acts.

Notary Seal or Stamp

Your DC notary seal must include:

Your name exactly as it appears on your commission.
The words “Notary Public, District of Columbia.”
Your commission expiration date.

Notary Journal

In the District of Columbia, a notary journal is legally required and provides:

A complete record of all notarial acts performed.
Protection and documentation in the event of complaints, investigations, or disputes.
Clear evidence supporting the validity and circumstances of each notarization.

Additional Requirements

When performing traditional notarizations in the District of Columbia, DC law requires that you:

Verify the identity of the signer using satisfactory evidence (such as acceptable identification, personal knowledge, or a credible witness, as permitted).
Ensure the signer personally appears before you and is acting knowingly and voluntarily.
Administer an oath or affirmation when the notarial act requires it (such as for a jurat or verification).

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in the District of Columbia is a valuable opportunity to serve the public, strengthen your professional skills, and earn additional income. By following the required steps—meeting eligibility requirements, submitting your application through ONCA, completing the oath and commissioning process, and obtaining the required supplies—you’ll be prepared to perform notarial duties with confidence.

With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can begin your notarial journey and build a rewarding practice in this trusted role.

Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll be on your way to a successful and rewarding notarial career in the District of Columbia.