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Office of the Secretary

The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications, Document Authentication, is open for in-person authentications. No appointment is needed.
The hours are 9 am-1 pm, Monday-Friday, except holidays.
Address: 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 8100, Washington, DC 20002. Phone: (202) 727-3117.

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The federal government shutdown has ended; the Office of the Secretary will no longer issue marriage licenses. Please visit https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters for information regarding the DC Superior Court’s Marriage Bureau. The Office of the Secretary will continue to administer civil ceremonies until December 10, 2025, for couples who have a Marriage License issued by the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia. To schedule a ceremony, please call (202) 727-6306.

Agency Home Responsive

Request a Ceremonial Document

Obtain a proclamation or letter from the Mayor to recognize noteworthy District people and events. The Ceremonial Services Unit prepares documents to commemorate individuals and special events.

Become a Notary Public

District of Columbia notaries public must be 18 years of age, be of good moral character and live or work in the District of Columbia.

Meet the DC Sister Cities

Washington, DC partners with other nations' capitals throughout the world. These partnerships create opportunities for cities to learn from each other.

DC One Fund -- Each One Help One

The DC One Fund program is the District Government’s workplace giving program. It is jointly administered by the United Way of the National Capital Area and The United Black Fund Inc. of Greater Washington, DC.

Featured Services

Flag Status

Current Status of the US and DC flags

Request a Ceremonial Document

Learn how to request a ceremonial document.

Document Authentication

How to have documents authenticated for domestic and foreign use.

Become a Notary Public

Our hours are from 9 am-1 pm, Monday-Friday, except holidays.

Notary and Authentication Services

Information on Notary commissions to qualified individuals who seek to become a DC notary.

District of Columbia Archives

Information on accessing historical records at the DC Archives.

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Latest

Press Releases

Nov 10 2025

Office of the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia Announces Grant Application Timeline for the FY 2026 DC Democracy Grant

Application Opening Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 Application Due Date: Friday, December 12,...

Jan 27 2025

District of Columbia Announces Awardees of FY 2025 Voting Rights and Statehood Grant

The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia proudly announced the recipients of the...

Nov 8 2024

Office of the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia Announces Grant Application Deadline for the FY 2025 DC Democracy Grant

Application Opening Date: Friday, November 8, 2024 Application Due Date: Friday, December 13,...

Mar 19 2024

District of Columbia Announces Awardees of FY 2024 Voting Rights and Statehood Grant

(Washington, DC) - The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia announced that the...

Nov 6 2023

Office of the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia Announces Grant Application Deadline for the 2024 DC Democracy Grant

Application Opening Date: Monday, November 6, 2023 Application Due Date: Friday, December 15,...

Office of the Secretary - OS

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Connect With Us
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 419, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 727-6306
Fax: (202) 727-3582
TTY: 711
Alternate Number: Notary: (202) 727-3117
Email: [email protected]

Ask the Secretary of the District of Columbia

Agency Performance

Emancipation Parade

Last Date:

The District of Columbia hosts a parade in honor the signing of the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of April 16, 1862, which freed 3,100 enslaved persons and ended slavery in the District.