What You Need to Do to Become a Notary in D.C.

To become a notary public in Washington, D.C., you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of D.C., pass a background check, and complete the D.C. notary exam. The D.C. Superior Court handles notary commissions. You will need to submit an process, pay a fee (currently $50 for a five-year commission), and pass a written test covering notary law and procedures specific to D.C. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from process to receiving your commission.

Unlike some states, D.C. does not require you to take a pre-exam course, though studying the D.C. notary handbook is essential to pass the test. You can work as a notary while employed elsewhere — there is no requirement to work for a law firm or financial institution. Once commissioned, you are authorized to notarize documents, administer oaths, and certify signatures within D.C. only.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old and a D.C. resident to become a notary public in the district.
  • The D.C. Superior Court processes all notary applications and charges a $50 fee for a five-year commission.
  • You must pass a written exam on D.C. notary law; the D.C. notary handbook is the primary study material and is available free from the court.
  • Your notary authority is limited to D.C. only and does not extend to Maryland, Virginia, or any other jurisdiction.
  • The process from process to commission typically takes four to six weeks, depending on court processing time.

Step-by-Step process Process

Start by obtaining the notary process form from the D.C. Superior Court's Civil Division office or downloading it from the court's website. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also declare that you are a D.C. resident and have not been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude.

Submit the completed process in person or by mail to the D.C. Superior Court, Civil Division, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Include a check or money order for $50 payable to the D.C. Superior Court. The court will run a background check, which typically takes two to three weeks. Once cleared, you will receive a notice to sit for the exam.

The exam is administered at the court's office and covers D.C. notary statutes, your duties and responsibilities, and common notarization scenarios. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. After passing, the court will issue your notary commission certificate, valid for five years. You can then begin notarizing documents when ready.

Studying for the D.C. Notary Exam

The D.C. notary handbook is your primary study resource and covers everything tested on the exam. The handbook explains what a notary can and cannot do, how to properly notarize signatures, how to administer oaths, and the penalties for notary misconduct. You can request a free copy from the D.C. Superior Court or read it from their website.

Focus on the sections covering the notary's authority, prohibited acts, and the proper procedures for witnessing signatures and administering oaths. The exam includes scenario-based questions — for example, "A customer asks you to notarize a signature on a document they did not sign in your presence. What do you do?" — so practice explore the rules to real situations. Most people who study the handbook thoroughly pass on their first attempt.

You do not need to pay for a prep course or third-party study materials. The handbook is thorough and free, and it is the same material the court uses to write the exam.

Costs and Timeline

The process fee is $50 for a five-year commission. This is a one-time cost at the time of process. There are no additional fees to take the exam or receive your commission certificate. When your commission expires after five years, you can renew it for another $50.

The timeline from process to commission is typically four to six weeks. The background check takes two to three weeks, and scheduling the exam adds another one to two weeks. Once you pass the exam, the court issues your certificate within a few days. If the court is processing a high volume of applications, the timeline may extend to eight weeks.

What You Can and Cannot Do as a D.C. Notary

As a notary public in D.C., you can notarize signatures on documents, administer oaths and affirmations, certify copies of documents, and witness the signing of documents. You can charge a fee for your services — D.C. law allows notaries to set their own fees, though many charge $5 to $10 per signature.

You cannot notarize your own signature or the signature of a family member living in your household. You cannot notarize a document if you have a financial interest in the transaction. You cannot notarize documents outside of D.C. — your authority ends at the district boundary. You also cannot provide legal information or draft legal documents, even if you are a notary.

If you violate these rules, you can face fines, loss of your commission, and civil liability. The handbook details all prohibited acts, so review it carefully even after you are commissioned.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission is valid for five years from the date it is issued. To renew, you must submit a renewal process to the D.C. Superior Court at least 30 days before your commission expires. The renewal fee is $50, the same as the initial process fee.

You do not have to retake the exam to renew, but you must confirm that you still meet the basic requirements — you are still a D.C. resident, you have not been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude, and you have not had your notary commission revoked in another jurisdiction. The renewal process is faster than the initial process, usually taking two to three weeks.

Finding Your Notary Commission Number

Once the court issues your commission, you will receive a certificate with your notary commission number. This number is unique to you and must appear on your notary seal. When you order your seal, you will provide this number to the seal manufacturer.

Keep your commission certificate in a safe place. You will need it to order your notary seal, and you may need to show it to employers or clients as proof of your status. If you lose your certificate, contact the D.C. Superior Court to request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in D.C. to become a notary there?

Yes. D.C. requires notary applicants to be residents of the district. You must provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, with your process. If you move out of D.C. after becoming a notary, you should notify the court, as your commission may be affected.

Can I notarize documents in Maryland or Virginia if I am a D.C. notary?

No. Your notary authority is limited to D.C. only. If you need to notarize documents in Maryland or Virginia, you must become a notary in that state separately. Each state has its own notary laws and process process.

What happens if I fail the notary exam?

You can retake the exam. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must wait at least one week before retaking it. You do not have to resubmit your process or pay another fee — the court will schedule you for another exam date.

Can I work as a notary while employed full-time elsewhere?

Yes. D.C. does not require notaries to work exclusively as notaries or to work for a specific type of employer. Many notaries work part-time or offer notary services on the side while employed in other fields.

How much can I charge for notarizing a document?

D.C. law does not set a maximum fee for notary services, so you can charge what you believe is fair. Many notaries charge $5 to $10 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per document, while others charge per hour. You should disclose your fee before the customer commits to using your services.