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Last Updated:|Reflects current Washington DC notary bond requirements
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Washington DC Notary Bond$2,000 • 5-Year Term

Get your Washington DC notary bond instantly. Required for all notaries in the nation's capital (except DC government employees). Download your certificate in minutes.

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$2,000 bond covers 5-year term
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Quick Answer

Washington DC requires a $2,000 surety bond covering the notary's five-year term. DC and Federal government employees commissioned solely for government work are exempt. Most applicants receive instant approval.

What Are the Washington DC Notary Requirements?

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • DC resident or employed in DC
  • Able to read and write English

Application Requirements

  • Complete ONCA application
  • Obtain $2,000 surety bond
  • Pay $75 filing fee
  • Purchase notary supplies (~$65-70)

Government Employee Exemption: DC government employees commissioned solely for DC government work do not need a surety bond. Federal employees must still obtain a bond unless commissioned solely for DC government business. Dual commissions require a bond.

DC Notary Bond Exemptions

Bond Exempt

  • DC government employees (DC work only)
  • Federal employees commissioned for DC govt
  • E-notary covered by existing bond

Bond Required

  • Private sector notaries
  • Dual commissions (govt + private)
  • Federal employees (non-DC govt work)

How Do I Become a DC Notary?

1

Get Bond

Obtain $2,000 surety bond

2

Apply

Complete ONCA application

3

Submit

Pay $75 fee + supplies

4

Receive

Get 5-year commission

Washington DC Notary Market

Government & Legal

Federal Agencies: Document processing for federal departments, regulatory filings, and administrative proceedings.

Law Firms: Legal documents, depositions, affidavits, and court filings for the DC legal community.

Embassies: International document authentication and diplomatic correspondence.

Commercial Sectors

Real Estate: High-volume property transactions, commercial leases, and condo sales throughout DC.

Lobbying Firms: Compliance documents, registration filings, and disclosure statements.

Associations: Non-profit filings, membership agreements, and board resolutions.

Washington DC Notary Bond FAQs

How much does a Washington DC notary bond cost?
Washington DC requires a $2,000 notary bond covering the notary's five-year term. The bond premium typically costs around $50 for the full term. Most applicants qualify for instant approval.
What are the DC notary bond requirements?
All DC notaries (except those commissioned solely for DC government) must obtain a $2,000 surety bond. The bond protects members of the public who may be affected by negligence or misconduct on the part of the notary. Source: DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications.
Are DC government employees exempt from the notary bond?
Yes. Those commissioned only on behalf of the DC Government do not have to purchase a surety bond. However, any dual commission requires a surety bond. Federal government employees must still obtain a bond unless commissioned solely for DC government work.
How long is a DC notary commission?
Washington DC notary commissions are valid for five years. The commission period begins on the date your commission is issued and expires five years later.
Does the DC notary bond cover electronic notarization?
Yes. No separate surety bond is required for an e-notary endorsement. The surety bond required for your notary public commission will cover the endorsement as an e-notary. DC government employees are exempt from the bond requirement for e-notary as well.
What is the application fee for a DC notary commission?
There is a $75 non-refundable fee for new or renewal applications. The only exceptions are those applying as DC or Federal government employees, who may have reduced or waived fees.
Is the notary bond insurance for the notary?
No. The bond is not an insurance policy for the notary. It serves to protect members of the public who may be affected as a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of the notary. You may want to consider E&O insurance for personal protection.
Where do I file my DC notary application and bond?
Applications and bonds are filed with the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) at 899 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 8100, Washington, DC 20002. Phone: (202) 727-3117.
How much do DC notary supplies cost?
In addition to the bond (approximately $50), notary supplies typically cost $65-$70. This includes your notary stamp/seal and journal. ONCA cannot recommend supply or surety bond companies.

Official Washington DC Requirements

"A surety bond in the amount of $2,000 is required, covering the notary's five-year term. The bond is not an insurance policy. The bond serves for the protection of members of the public."
DC Office of Notary Commissions and AuthenticationsDC Municipal Regulations
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