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Identification Requirements:
The individual having the document notarized or to whom you are giving the oath or affirmation must be
physically present before the notary. You must watch the person sign the document; the largest concern
regarding fraud or misuse of a notarization is that the signature on a document is not the valid signature of
the person described in the document. § 1–1231.06
Allowable forms of identification are:
• Personal knowledge of the individual.
• A non-expired government ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military card.
• Or any other non-expired government ID that has a photo or a signature. The ID may be from any
government, whether in the US or other country as long as it is current with a photo or signature.
• A verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally appearing before the officer
and known to the officer or whom the officer can identify based on a current passport, driver’s
license, or government-issued nondriver identification card.
• If an individual is physically unable to sign, the individual may direct another person other than
the notary to sign the individual’s name. When this occurs, the notary shall record the notarial act
by inserting into the journal or other record “Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the
direction of (name of person).” The individual who signed the document must also sign the
journal as it appears on the document. § 1–1231.08
Jurisdiction:
District commissions can be used only within the geographical borders of the District of Columbia. The
person for whom you are performing the notarial act must be in your presence in the District of Columbia.
The individual may live anywhere, but you must both (all) be physically within the boundaries of the
District of Columbia when you perform the notarial act.
The District of Columbia does not recognize licenses or commissions from other jurisdictions; there is no
reciprocity. If you wish to become a notary public in the District of Columbia, you must submit an
application, meet the requirements and follow the process for DC.
Items Eligible for Notarial Acts:
The list below is not all inclusive, but provides some examples of items that are eligible for notarial acts.
Remember as a notary, you are not notarizing the document; you are only validating that the person in
front of you is, in fact, that person.
• Original or copies of diplomas or GEDs from any primary or higher education institution except
from the District of Columbia Public Schools or the University of the District of Columbia. You
may notarize copies or original of diplomas from District of Columbia Public Charter Schools.
This includes any transcripts or documents issues by school, university, college or other
educational institution regardless of where it is located.
• Copies of any passports copies of any driver’s license.
• Annual renewal of 501(c)(3) (non-profit) forms.
• In the District of Columbia, notaries may notarize documents in any language, but the.notary must
have signed a form stating that he/she is able to read and write in the language the notarial act is
being performed.
• Mortgage documents, lending agreements.
• Give an Oath or Affirmation for a deposition.