2026 Guide District of Columbia

How to Find a Notary in District of Columbia (2026)

Where to get documents notarized in District of Columbia — fees, what to bring, and remote online notarization options.

In-person fee cap

N/A

RON fee cap

Yes

State fee cap

RON available

Step-by-Step: Getting Documents Notarized in District of Columbia

Identify your notarial act type

Different documents require different notarial acts. An acknowledgment is the most common — you acknowledge you signed willingly. A jurat requires you to swear under oath that the document's contents are true. An oath or affirmation is used for affidavits. Understanding the type helps you prepare and ensures you bring the right document.

Find a notary near you

District of Columbia notaries can be found at many convenient locations:

• Banks and credit unions — often free for account holders
• UPS Store / FedEx Office — $10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly
• Public libraries — sometimes free or low-cost
• Law offices — available for clients, often free with other services
• AAA offices — free for members
• Online notary search — use the District of Columbia Secretary of State's notary lookup at the link below

Prepare your document

Before your appointment: complete all parts of the document except your signature. Do not sign the document beforehand — you must sign in front of the notary. Make sure all text fields are filled in. If the document is multi-page, do not staple or bind it yet.

Bring valid photo ID

The notary must verify your identity. Bring a current, government-issued photo ID such as:
• Driver's license or state ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

The name on your ID must match the name on the document. Expired IDs are generally not accepted.

Sign in front of the notary

Sign your document in the notary's presence. The notary will watch you sign, verify your willingness, and then apply their official seal and signature. For a jurat, you'll also swear or affirm that the document's contents are true.

Know the fees

District of Columbia law caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Notaries may charge additional travel fees if they come to you.

$5 per act. RON not yet implemented as of 2026.

Consider Remote Online Notarization (RON)

District of Columbia does not currently permit Remote Online Notarization (RON), or RON rules are not yet fully defined. You will need to appear in person before a notary. Check the District of Columbia Secretary of State's website for any recent updates.

After notarization

Keep the notarized document in a safe place. Make photocopies for your records before submitting the original anywhere. If you need an apostille (to use the document internationally), contact the District of Columbia Secretary of State's office — there's usually a separate apostille fee.

Need Online Notarization?

Get documents notarized from home via video call — available 24/7, legally valid in most states.

Find an Online Notary →

District of Columbia Notary — Fee Summary

Acknowledgment fee cap	$5
Jurat fee cap	$5
Oath/Affirmation fee cap	$5
RON (Remote Online Notarization)	Not available
State fee cap law	Yes

📋

District of Columbia note

$5 per act. RON not yet implemented as of 2026.

Source: District of Columbia Secretary of State ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, notaries are capped at $5 per notarial act by state law. Most in-person notarizations cost $5 per signature. Mobile notaries who travel to you typically charge an additional travel fee of $25–$75 on top of the per-signature fee.

Where can I find a notary near me in District of Columbia?

You can find a notary in District of Columbia at: banks and credit unions (often free for account holders), UPS Store or FedEx Office ($10–$15 per signature, walk-in friendly), public libraries (sometimes free or low-cost), AAA offices (free for members), law offices, and real estate offices. For hard-to-reach locations or after-hours needs, search for a mobile notary or use the District of Columbia Secretary of State's notary lookup tool online.

Can I get documents notarized online in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia does not currently permit Remote Online Notarization (RON). Documents must be notarized in person. Check the District of Columbia Secretary of State's website periodically — RON laws are expanding to new states.

What ID do I need to bring to a notary in District of Columbia?

Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your full legal name and signature — matching the name on the document being notarized. Acceptable IDs in District of Columbia typically include: a driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card (Green Card). The ID must be valid (not expired). Do not sign your document before arriving — you must sign in the notary's presence.

Does District of Columbia have a limit on notary fees?

Yes — District of Columbia law caps notary fees at $5 per acknowledgment and $5 per jurat. Charging more than the statutory maximum is a violation that can result in loss of the notary's commission. If a notary overcharges you, you can report it to the District of Columbia Secretary of State.

How long does notarization take in District of Columbia?

A standard in-person notarization in District of Columbia takes 5–15 minutes once you're in front of the notary. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign, complete the notarial certificate, and apply their seal. If you have multiple documents, add a few minutes per additional signature. Remote online notarization typically takes 15–20 minutes including identity verification.