Washington DC Notary Bond

The Washington DC Notary Bond is a required financial safeguard for individuals seeking a notary public commission in the District of Columbia. Notaries in Washington DC must obtain a $2,000 Notary Bond to ensure they perform their duties ethically and in compliance with local laws.

This bond serves to protect the public from financial losses caused by a notary’s error, negligence, or misconduct. If a valid claim is made against the bond, the surety company compensates the affected party, but the notary must reimburse the surety company for any claims paid out.

It’s important to note that the Notary Bond does not protect the notary personally. To safeguard against personal financial liability, Washington DC notaries are encouraged to purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia oversees notarial regulations, ensuring that notaries maintain professionalism and public trust in the District.

The cost of a Washington DC Notary Bond generally ranges from $35 to $55 (processing fees may apply), depending on the surety provider. Washington DC requires notaries to obtain a $2,000 surety bond for a five-year term.

To comply with local requirements, notaries must purchase their bond from a state-authorized surety provider and submit it to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia as part of their notary commission application.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: $75 (paid to the Office of the Secretary of DC)
• Notary Seal or Stamp: $20 - $50, depending on the provider
• Notary Journal: $10 - $50 (optional but recommended)

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Washington DC Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $2,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an instant bond quote. Carefully review the details, and if adjustments are needed, our team is here to assist you.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, finalize your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the necessary documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

To renew your Washington DC Notary Bond, you must purchase a new $2,000 surety bond from an authorized provider before your current notary commission expires. Once you have obtained the new bond, submit it along with your notary renewal application to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia. This ensures that your notary commission remains active without any lapses.

Key Steps for Renewal:

• Purchase a new $2,000 surety bond from an authorized provider.
• Complete the Notary Renewal Application as required by the Office of the Secretary of DC.
• Submit your renewal application and bond before your current commission expires.

To avoid interruptions in your notarial duties, it is essential to complete the renewal process before your commission expires.

To become a notary public in Washington DC, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete the state's commissioning process. To qualify as a Washington DC notary, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be a resident of Washington DC or a non-resident who works in the District
• Be able to read and write in English
• Have no felony convictions, unless pardoned or civil rights have been restored

Application Process:

• Obtain a $2,000 Surety Bond – The bond must be issued by an authorized provider and valid for a five-year term.
  Complete the Notary Public Application – Submit the completed form to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia.
• Pay the Application Fee – The current fee is $75, payable to the Office of the Secretary of DC.
• Submit Required Documents – Provide proof of your surety bond and any other required documents.
• Receive Your Notary Commission Certificate – Once approved, you will receive your official notary commission.

Responsibilities After Commissioning:

• Use an Official Notary Seal or Stamp – This is required when notarizing documents.
• Maintain a Notary Journal – While not mandatory, keeping a journal is highly recommended for record-keeping and legal protection.
• Follow Washington DC Notary Laws – Notaries must comply with all local regulations to ensure the integrity of notarial acts.

Meeting Washington DC’s notary requirements ensures that notaries operate legally and ethically while protecting the public. To maintain an active commission, notaries should stay informed about state regulations and renew their bond and commission before expiration.

To become a Remote Online Notary (RON) or E-Notary in Washington DC, notaries must meet specific requirements and follow a structured process to obtain authorization. Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a Remote Online or E-Notary in Washington DC:

1. Hold a Valid Traditional Notary Commission

Before applying for Remote Online Notary (RON) or E-Notary status in Washington DC, you must first hold a valid traditional notary commission. This requires obtaining a $2,000 surety bond valid for a five-year term, as well as meeting other eligibility criteria.

2. Obtain Electronic Notary Authorization

Once you have a traditional notary commission, the next step is to apply for electronic notary authorization. To do this, you must:

• Complete the Electronic Notary Authorization Application: Fill out the necessary form for electronic notary authorization.
• Submit the Application to the Office of the Secretary of DC: Submit your completed form and the required fee to the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia.
• Pay the Application Fee: The fee for electronic notary authorization is currently set by the DC government (confirm current fee).

Upon approval, you will receive your electronic notary authorization.

3. Apply for Remote Online Notary (RON) Authorization

After receiving electronic notary authorization, you can then apply for RON status.

• Complete the RON Application: Submit a separate application for Remote Online Notary approval.
• Provide Technology Details: Provide information about your state-approved RON technology provider. Ensure that the platform you use complies with Washington DC’s notarial laws and regulations.

Once approved, you will receive official authorization to conduct remote online notarizations (RON).

4. Maintain Compliance with RON Laws

To maintain your RON authorization, you must renew your electronic notary authorization and RON approval every five years, in conjunction with your traditional notary commission. During this period follow all applicable notarial laws and technology standards for secure remote notarizations as required by Washington DC.

This includes staying updated on any changes in the regulations or technology standards related to remote notarizations.