A Washington, DC notary acknowledgment form is used by notaries to validate the signatures on legal documents within the state. This form is essential in affirming the authenticity of signatures and confirming that the signers willingly and knowingly executed the document. The state allows various forms of notarization, including a jurat, which indicates the signer’s affirmation of their identity.
This service can only be performed by licensed notaries and requires specific language to comply with legal standards and attest to the document’s proper execution.
Legal Considerations
Statute: Code of the District of Columbia, Chapter 12A. Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.
Form of Acknowledgment: As per § 1–1231.15, the required information on short form certificates of notarial acts includes the date, names of individuals involved, the signature of the notarial officer, the official seal, title of office, and the expiration date of the notarial commission.
Notary Term of Commission: Five years (§ 1–1231.19).
Notary Handbook: The Notary Public Handbook from the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications is a valuable resource with procedures, guidelines, and tips related to the profession.
Is Online Notarization Legal in Washington, DC?
Yes, notaries are now allowed to conduct remote online notarizations (RON) in the state following the enactment of Bill 24-457 on August 27, 2022. This legislation allows notaries to serve clients securely and conveniently by notarizing electronic records and traditional paper documents signed in ink. Furthermore, the state recognizes online notarizations performed by notaries from other states through interstate recognition laws.
To conduct an online notarization, notaries require an original, unsigned document, a device with audio and video capabilities, a government-issued photo ID, and a U.S. social security number for secure identity verification. They must notify the Mayor’s office of remote online notarization transactions and disclose the technology providers they plan to use, subject to the district’s rules governing specific technologies (§ 1–1231.13a).
According to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17 § 2425, the maximum fee a notary can charge for remote notarial acts is $25.
How to Notarize
Step 1 – Find a Notary
Identify the appropriate type of notary needed, considering the four options available in the state: residential, business, DC government, and federal government.
The selection should align with the document’s nature and the intended purpose of notarization, with some notaries licensed to perform multiple types.
Notaries are authorized to charge a maximum of $5 per notarial act, except for government-commissioned notaries, who are prohibited from charging for their services (§ 1–1231.23).
Step 2 – Prepare the Document
Reach out to your chosen notary to inquire about their willingness to notarize your document, keeping in mind that they may not be obligated to accept all requests. If they agree, bring the document and photo identification for the notarization process.
Step 3 – Present ID
The notary will request proof of identity, and while most charge a statutory fee, it is customary to sign the document in the notary’s presence.
For acknowledgments, the document may be signed in advance if the notary verifies the signature. If a named party is unable to sign due to an infirmity, they may appoint someone else to sign, with the notary making an appropriate indication.
Step 4 – Affix the Seal
The notary will complete the form and attach an official seal or stamp to authenticate the document.
How to Verify a Notary
- Access the Office of the Secretary webpage and search for a notary public.
- Navigate to the Open Data DC catalog and select “View Data Table” to explore a list of licensed notaries. Conduct searches based on criteria like name and address and access additional details, including the notary’s commission date and expiration.
