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Office of the Secretary

The Office of Public Records will resume its public research hours for walk-in researchers to the 1300 Naylor Court NW location on February 15, 2022. All inquiries can be submitted via our [email protected] portal or telephone at (202) 671-1105.

For Notary Services: Contact (202) 727-3117, Open for walk-in 9 am - 1 pm, Monday-Friday, except holidays, Location: 441 4th Street, NW.

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

Become a Notary Public

http://os.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/os/publication/attachments/Change%20of%20Name%20Form....

Document Authentication

How to have documents authenticated for domestic and foreign use.

Notary and Authentication Services

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

Request a Ceremonial Document

Learn how to request a ceremonial document.

Public Records Services

Information on submitting a research request for Public Records.

District of Columbia Archives

Information on accessing historical records at the DC Archives.

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Latest

Press Releases

Mar 23 2022

Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia Selects New State Archivist and Public Records Administrator

(Washington, DC) The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia testified before the...

Feb 14 2022

District of Columbia Announces Awardees of FY 2022 Voting Rights and Statehood Grant

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

Jan 3 2022

New Application Deadline for the 2022 DC Democracy Grant

The due date for submitting applications for the 2022 Grant to promote District of Columbia Voting...

Dec 27 2021

2022 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE COMMISSION ON THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY

The Office of the Secretary of the State of the District of Columbia has scheduled the meetings of...

Dec 3 2021

Office of the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia Announces Grant Application Deadline for the 2022 DC Democracy Grant

Application Opening Date: Friday, December 3, 2021 Application Due Date: Monday, January 3, 2022

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

Public Forum on the New DC Archives

Last Date:

The Bowser Administration and Secretary of DC Lauren C Vaughan will host A Public Forum on the New DC Archives. The Secretary of the District of Columbia, in cooperation with the Friends of the DC Archives, is convening a forum to garner public input and ensure that the residents of the District of Columbia have an opportunity to learn about and understand the importance of protecting and preserving DC’s valuable historical documents and artifacts.