8
Letter(s) of Request:
Each application must include an original letter of request for each commission for which you are
applying explaining the need for the applicant to be a notary for business, residential, or government
reasons. The letter must be on business, personal or government letterhead, must have a physical District
address, must have a District phone number (for business), and must have an original or approved
electronic signature and the address on the letter must match the address on the application. The
individual writing the letter of request may not be used as a reference on the application, nor may a family
member be used as a reference. The letter(s) of request must state the reason(s) the individual is needed as
a notary; they may not be a character reference. If you are self-employed and writing your own business
letter of request, this must be explained in the letter. Residential letters of request must explain why the
commission is needed in the residence – for example for the community or volunteer organizations, it
may not include uses for business. Applications for renewal must include the letter(s) of request.
When submitting your application online, you must upload the letter(s) per the instructions on the
application form.
Once you have submitted your application online do not submit one in-person or by mail We only want
one application and the application fee is non-refundable (see below). If we receive more than one
application, it will delay the process.
Application Fee:
The notary public fee application is $75 and is non-refundable. Employees of the District and federal
government are exempt from the notary application fee requirement. However, should a government
notary public desire a dual commission (see “Types of Notaries Public,” above in Part III), an application
fee will be charged.
Review Process and Notifications:
All notifications to notary applicants are sent via email. The email you provide must be one that you are
certain you will receive; if you choose a group or company email, be certain the information will get to
you. If you do not wish to receive notifications by email, be certain to note this on the application.
Once ONCA has received the application and supportive materials, you will receive an email that your
application has been received; this may take 2-3 days after you have submitted the application. If the
application is deemed sufficient, you will then receive an email stating you must sign the document.
Once this is done, you will press submit and then the document will be returned to our office with your
signature.
Once the signed document has been received you will receive an email allowing you to pay online by
credit card. Once you have done this you will then receive an email notifying you your application has
been approved. Your application cannot be approved until all these requirements have been met. Note:
Those applying for commissions on behalf of the DC or federal government only will not receive the
email for payment.
If you choose, you may print the application at either the signature stage or payment stage and submit the
application manually. If you do this, you must provide an original signature on your application as well
as the letter(s) of request. If you mail in the application, you may pay only by check or money order
payable to “DC Treasurer.” If you come to the office, then you may pay by check, money order,