Contact Information
Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications
441 4th Street, NW Suite 810 South
Washington, DC 20001
Appointment and Commissioning
How to Become a Notary Public
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States, residents of the District of Columbia (if applying for a residential commission), or maybe residents of other jurisdictions whose primary place of business or employment is located in the District of Columbia (if applying for a business or government commission). If applying for a dual commission, the applicant must both live in DC and have a primary place of business or employment in DC.
All applicants to become a notary public for the first time or those who have not renewed their commission in over 12 months must attend an orientation session.
Notary Commissions in the District of Columbia are for five (5) year terms, beginning on the 1st and 15th of each month (except January 2nd) and ending on the 14th and last day of each month (except January 1st).