Notary Commissions

The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) approves and commissions individuals as DC notaries public. ONCA does not notarize documents, Below is information for:

• Finding a Notary
• Becoming a Notary: Requirements and application
• Existing Notary Resources

I Need A Notary

ONCA does not notarize documents. Please consider conducting an online search for a commissioned DC Notary Public. An additional option is to use the Notary Public Map to search for a DC Notary by address.

I Want to Be a DC Notary Public: New and Renewal Applicants

Whether you're looking to expand your career, support your organization, or serve your community, becoming a Notary Public in the District of Columbia opens the door to new opportunities. Both new and renewal applicants are subject to the same application requirements. Please submit the online DC Notary Application 2026.

General Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• United States citizen or permanent legal resident
• Resident or employee in the District of Columbia
  • Business or Government Commission: Applicant may reside outside the District of Columbia but must maintain a primary place of business or employment within the District of Columbia.
  • Dual Commission: Applicant must live and work in the District of Columbia.
  • Residential Commission: Applicant must live in the District of Columbia.
• Provide a letter of intent o Business or Government Commission: On agency or company letterhead, supervisor provides a statement of how or why notarial services will be provided in the course of work: include supervisor name, title/position, and contact information. o Dual Commission and Residential Commission: Provide a statement of how or why notarial services will be provided
• Submit $75 application fee.
• Complete New Notary Orientation (If a new applicant or if the commission has been expired more than 12 months.) To Apply to be a DC Notary Public 1. Submit the online DC Notary Application 2026

To Apply to be a DC Notary Public

1. Submit the online DC Notary Application 2026
2. Select the notary type: New, Renewal, IPEN
3. Enter name exactly as should be listed on the notary commission
4. Enter applicant information
5. Enter references
6. Enter business information (if applicable)
7. Include Letter of Intent
8. For IPEN applicants provide the name of the vendor or software you will be using as an e-notary.

Commission Types

Traditional Notary Public

A traditional commissioned notary public verifies identity, witnesses signatures, and notarizes paper documents in person using a handwritten signature and an official ink stamp or seal.

• The signer appears in person before the notary.
• In‑person verification of the signer’s identity.
• Paper documents stamped with seal and signed with original (“wet”) signatures.
• Handwritten notary signature and ink stamp or seal applied.

Electronic Notary Public: Electronic In‑Person Notarization (IPEN)

IPEN requires the signer to appear in person before the notary, however, instead of signing paper documents and applying a physical stamp, both the notary and the signer use approved electronic platforms to complete the notarization.

• The signer appears in person before the notary.
• In‑person verification of the signer’s identity.
• Documents are reviewed and signed electronically.
• The notary applies a digital seal and signature.
• The completed notarization is delivered as a secure electronic file.

IPEN Requirements

• Be a commissioned DC notary public.
• Complete training with a recognized IPEN training vendor.
• Provide the name of the vendor or software you will be using as an e-notary at application.
• For more information: DC Electronic Notary Handbook

Remote Notary

A Remote Notary is a commissioned notary public authorized to perform notarizations without being physically present with the signer. Instead, the notarization is completed through real‑time audio‑visual communication technology, allowing the signer and notary to interact remotely while meeting all legal requirements.

Interested in Remote Notary?

Please complete the  Remote Notary Interest Form 2026 and a team member will notify you when Remote Notary is available.

What are the steps to become a DC Notary Public?

Email updates are sent at each step in the DC Notary Public Application Process.  Please check your email for updates.

More Information:

• Visit Frequently Asked Questions
• Notary Public Handbook ^[PDF]
• To view District of Columbia Notary Public code
• https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/titles/1/chapters/12A
• To view Rules for Notaries Public
  https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleList.aspx?ChapterNum=17-24&ChapterId=695