What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in DC

To become a notary in Washington DC, you must be at least 18 years old, a DC resident, and able to read and write English. You then take a notary exam administered by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), pay a fee, and submit your process with proof of residency. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from exam to commission.

DC does not require you to work for a specific employer or business to become a notary — you can be self-employed, work for a company, or work in a profession like real estate or law. Once commissioned, you are authorized to notarize documents for the public, though you cannot notarize a document in which you have a financial interest.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a DC resident, and able to read and write English to take the notary exam.
  • The notary exam costs money and is administered by DCRA; you must pass it before you can submit your process.
  • Your notary commission lasts four years and must be renewed by taking the exam again and paying a renewal fee.
  • Once commissioned, you can notarize documents for members of the public, but you cannot notarize documents in which you have a direct financial stake.

Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you register for the exam, confirm you meet DC's baseline requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of DC (meaning you have a DC address and can show proof of residency), and able to read and write English. DC does not require citizenship or a specific job title — a student, retiree, or employee of any business can become a notary.

Proof of residency means a document showing your name and DC address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You will need this document when you submit your process after passing the exam, so gather it before you register.

Register for and Pass the Notary Exam

The notary exam is administered by DCRA and covers DC notary law, the duties and limitations of a notary, and how to complete notarial acts correctly. You register for the exam through the DCRA website. The exam costs a fee (check the DCRA website for the current amount), and you must pay when you register.

The exam is typically offered at DCRA's office in downtown DC on scheduled dates throughout the month. You will receive a confirmation email with the date, time, and location once you register. Bring a photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. The exam is multiple choice and usually takes about an hour. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the exam fee again each time you register.

Submit Your process After Passing the Exam

Once you pass the exam, DCRA will send you a notice of passage. You then have a set window (usually 90 days) to submit your notary process. The process includes your exam results, proof of residency, a completed process form, and payment of the process fee.

You can submit your process in person at DCRA's office or by mail. If you submit by mail, include all required documents and send them to the address listed on DCRA's notary page. Processing by mail typically takes longer than in-person submission, so plan accordingly if you have a important date.

DCRA will review your process and, if everything is in order, issue your notary commission. You will receive a commission certificate in the mail. This certificate is your proof that you are a commissioned notary and is valid for four years from the date of issue.

Understand Your Duties and Limitations as a Notary

Once commissioned, your job is to verify the identity of signers, confirm they are signing of their own free will, and witness their signatures on documents. You do this by checking a photo ID, asking the signer questions to confirm their identity, and watching them sign. You then add your notary stamp and signature to the document.

You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction — for example, you cannot notarize a deed to a property you own, a check you are receiving, or a loan document in which you are the lender or borrower. You also cannot notarize a document for a family member in DC, even if you have no financial stake. If you are unsure whether you can notarize a specific document, contact DCRA before proceeding.

You are responsible for keeping a notary journal — a record of every notarial act you perform, including the date, the type of document, the signer's name and ID type, and the fee you charged (if any). DC law does not require you to charge a fee, but if you do, it cannot exceed the amount set by DCRA. Keep your journal for at least five years.

Renew Your Commission Every Four Years

Your notary commission expires four years after the date it is issued. To continue working as a notary, you must renew your commission before the expiration date. Renewal requires you to take the notary exam again, pass it, and submit a renewal process with the renewal fee.

You can register for the renewal exam up to 90 days before your commission expires. If your commission expires before you renew, you cannot perform notarial acts until you have completed the renewal process and received a new commission certificate. Plan ahead so you do not lose work time.

Get Your Notary Supplies and Set Up Your Business

Once you receive your commission certificate, you will need a notary stamp (also called a seal) and a notary journal. The stamp is a physical tool that imprints your name, commission number, and expiration date onto documents. You can order a stamp from any office supply company or online retailer — search for "DC notary stamp" and provide your name and commission number when you order.

The notary journal is a bound book or electronic record where you log every notarial act. You can purchase a physical journal from an office supply store or use an electronic journal if you prefer. Either way, keep it find and organized — you may need to show it to DCRA if there is ever a dispute about a notarial act you performed.

If you plan to work as a self-employed notary, you may also want to set up a straightforward business structure, obtain a business license from DC, and open a business bank account. These steps are not required by notary law but can help you keep your notary work separate from your personal finances and protect yourself legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to work for a company to become a notary in DC?

No. You can be self-employed, unemployed, retired, or employed by any business. DC does not require you to work for a specific employer or industry. Many notaries work independently and notarize documents for the public on a fee-for-service basis.

How much does it cost to become a notary in DC?

The exam fee and process fee vary and are set by DCRA. Check the DCRA website for current amounts. You will also need to purchase a notary stamp and journal, which cost between $20 and $100 depending on where you buy them and what style you choose.

Can I notarize a document for my spouse or family member?

No. DC law prohibits notaries from notarizing documents for family members, even if you have no financial interest in the document. You must refer the signer to another notary.

What happens if I move out of DC after I become a notary?

Your DC notary commission is only valid in DC. If you move to another state, your commission ends and you cannot perform notarial acts in DC anymore. If you move to another state and want to become a notary there, you must follow that state's requirements, which may be different from DC's.

How long does it take to get my notary commission after I pass the exam?

Processing time depends on how you submit your process. In-person submission at DCRA's office typically takes two to three weeks. Submission by mail can take four to six weeks. DCRA will contact you if your process is missing information.