Notary Commissions and Authentications Section The Notary Commissions and Authentications Section of the Office of the Secretary legally certifies documents for domestic and foreign use. Authentication requires a signature from a DC department head and/or a notary public. A document is considered authentic once the District of Columbia Seal has been affixed to it. Notary Public Application Process Document Authentication Contact Information NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATION PROCESS The Notary Commissions and Authentications Section commissions individuals as DC notaries public. The Section commissions both new applicants and reappointments. District of Columbia notaries public must be 18 years of age, live or work in the District of Columbia, and complete the following process. 1. Pick up the District of Columbia's Notary Public Application. Applications must be signed within 30 days of the date of submission. Applications must be notarized. A letter stating the need for services must be prepared by the applicant's employer and submitted with the application. (If self-employed, submit the request on letterhead.) Three character references must be submitted with the application. A 2x2 photo must be submitted with the application. 2. Submit the application to the Notary Commissions and Authentications Section. Mail the completed application and related material to: Notary Commissions and Authentications Section 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S Washington, DC 20001 A representative from the Notary Commissions and Authentications Section will contact new applicants to schedule the oral examination. If you have any questions about the notary commissioning process, please contact the Notary Commissions and Authentications Section by telephone at (202) 727-3117 or by email. DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION Notary Commissions and Authentications Section of the Office of the Secretary authenticates documents for domestic and foreign use. To have a document authenticated: The document must be either notarized by a DC notary public, or signed by an authorized head of a DC government agency. Include a fee of ten dollars ($10) per document—payable by money order, personal check, certified and/or cashier check. NO cash is accepted. Documents can be authenticated in person or through the mail. In-person authentication: Bring the notarized or signed document and fee to: 441 4th Street, NW, Room 810S during public office hours, 9 am to 12:45 pm Monday through Friday. Mail-in authentication: Mail the notarized or signed document, the fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Office of the Secretary Executive Office of the Mayor John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 419 Washington, DC 20004 If you have any questions about the document authentication process, please contact the Notary Commissions Authentications Section at (202) 727-3117 or by email. CONTACT INFORMATION PHONE: (202) 727-3117 FAX: (202) 727-3582 MAILING ADDRESS: Office of the Secretary Executive Office of the Mayor John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 419 Washington, DC 20004 OFFICE LOCATION: 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S Washington, DC 20001 PUBLIC OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm