How to Become a Notary in District of Columbia (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your District of Columbia notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official District of Columbia state sources.
A state-by-state reference covering notary fee caps, remote online notarization (RON) availability, and step-by-step instructions for getting documents notarized from home. Know your rights and the legal maximums before you pay a notary.
See exactly what you get- All 50 states — fee caps for acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and RON
- RON status for every state — which states allow remote online notarization in 2026
- Step-by-step guide to getting documents notarized via video call
- Mobile notary tips — what to ask upfront, how to avoid overcharging
- Instant download — open in any browser, print to PDF
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How to Become a Notary in District of Columbia — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in District of Columbia, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of District of Columbia or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Obtain your $2,000 surety bond
District of Columbia requires a $2,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company; the bond company sets the premium. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia
File your completed notary application with the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia and pay the $75 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — by the deadline in your commission letter.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official District of Columbia notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in District of Columbia. Traditional notary fees in District of Columbia: up to $5 per act (state-capped). District of Columbia also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — a growing income opportunity. For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
Get Your District of Columbia Notary Training Materials
NotaryPublicCentral has state-specific study guides and training for District of Columbia. Use code LEGALCOSTCALC for $10 off.
District of Columbia Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $75 |
| Commission term | 5 years |
| Surety bond | $2,000 face value (premium set by the bond company) |
| Exam | Not required |
| Education course | Not required |
| Filing office | Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia |
| RON available | Yes |
| Fees charged by the state (application + exam) | $75 |
Remote notarization is available to DC notaries who hold a remote endorsement from the Office of the Secretary.
Source: Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia — Official District of Columbia Notary Page ↗
What Can a District of Columbia Notary Charge?
District of Columbia caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. $5 per act. Notaries with a remote endorsement from the Office of the Secretary may perform remote notarizations.
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a District of Columbia Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your District of Columbia notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.