District of Columbia Notary Bond Requirements

Is a notary bond required in the District of Columbia?

Yes. Under D.C. Code § 1-1231.19, before the Mayor issues a notary public commission, the applicant must submit an “assurance” in the form of a surety bond, or its functional equivalent, in the amount of $2,000. The assurance must be issued by a surety or other entity licensed or authorized to do business in the District and must be in the form the Mayor prescribes.

The assurance protects the public rather than the notary. It covers acts performed during the term of the commission, and if a notary violates District notary law, the surety or issuing entity is liable under the assurance. The surety must give the Mayor 30 days’ notice before canceling the assurance and must notify the Mayor within 30 days of paying any claim. Importantly, a District notary may perform notarial acts only during the period a valid assurance is on file — so letting the bond lapse effectively suspends the ability to notarize.

One notable exception: a notary commissioned on behalf of the District of Columbia government is exempt from the bond requirement. The Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications, part of the Office of the Secretary, administers commissioning on the Mayor’s behalf.

How to become a notary in the District of Columbia

1. Confirm eligibility: be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and be a resident of the District or have a primary place of employment or practice in the District.
2. Complete the training class provided through the Mayor/Office of the Secretary and print your certificate of completion.
3. Obtain a $2,000 surety bond (assurance) from an authorized surety.
4. Complete the application and pay the application fee, which by statute is set by rule and cannot be less than $75.
5. Take the oath prescribed for civil officers in the District.
6. File your signature and deposit an impression of your official seal with the Mayor.

Government notaries whose duties are confined to official business are not charged an application fee.

Bond vs. E&O insurance in the District of Columbia

The $2,000 assurance is mandatory and exists to compensate members of the public harmed by a notary’s misconduct or errors. It is not personal protection for the notary — if the surety pays a claim, it can seek reimbursement from the notary. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is separate and optional; it is purchased by a notary to cover their own defense costs and liability for unintentional mistakes. DC does not require E&O, but many notaries choose to carry it in addition to the required assurance.

Renewing your District of Columbia commission

DC commissions run for 5 years. To continue serving, a notary must reapply before expiration, meeting the same requirements — including a current assurance on file. Because a valid assurance is a continuous condition of performing notarial acts, plan to have new bond coverage in place that spans the full new term so there is no gap in authority.

Remote online notarization in the District of Columbia

The District authorizes notarial acts for remotely located individuals and allows notaries to seek an endorsement as an electronic notary. Under D.C. Code § 1-1231.20, a notary who wants to perform electronic notarial acts must obtain that endorsement and select tamper-evident technology that conforms to the Mayor’s standards. The Office of the Secretary publishes an Electronic Notary Handbook describing the process and approved technology.

Non-resident notaries in the District of Columbia

The District does not require residency. An applicant qualifies by being a resident of the District or by maintaining a primary place of employment or practice within the District, which allows commuters who work in DC to be commissioned.