Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications 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 Download a Copy of the Notary Handbook* View Notary Public Code and Municipal Regulations* NOTARY PUBLIC APPLICATION PROCESS The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications certifies individuals as DC notaries public. The Office 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. Complete the District of Columbia's Notary Public Application. Applications can be picked up at 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S or downloaded here*. Applications must be signed within 30 days of the date of submission. 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.) Submit the application to the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications. Mail the completed application and related material to: Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S Washington, DC 20001 A representative from the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications will contact new applicants to schedule the orientation. If you have any questions about the notary commissioning process, please contact the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications by telephone at (202) 727-3117 or by email . DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications in 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.  In person authentication may be paid for by credit card or check card. NO cash is accepted.  Documents may 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 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Mail-in authentication: Mail the notarized or signed document, the fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S Washington, DC 20001 If you have any questions about the document authentication process, please contact the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications at (202) 727-3117 or by email . CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: (202) 727-3117 Fax: (202) 727-3582 MAILING AND IN-PERSON 441 4th Street, NW Room 810S Washington, DC 20001 PUBLIC OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm * This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or Learn More About PDFs.