Notary Fees and Remote Notarization in the District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia a notary may charge up to $5 for an acknowledgment under ONCA rules, and DC notaries may notarize for remotely located signers under D.C. Code 1-1231.13a, in effect since September 21, 2022.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
District of Columbia at a glance
- Maximum fee per acknowledgment
- $5 per acknowledgment
- Fees are set by rule (17 DCMR 2425). Agreed travel costs may be added.
- Remote online notarization
- Yes
- The notary must be located in DC, verify identity and make an audio-visual recording.
- RON law and effective date
- D.C. Code 1-1231.13a, effective September 21, 2022
- Added by D.C. Law 24-178.
The rules in the District of Columbia
What is the maximum notary fee for an acknowledgment in the District of Columbia?
Maximum fee per acknowledgment in the District of Columbia: $5 per acknowledgment. Fees are set by rule (17 DCMR 2425). Agreed travel costs may be added.
Is remote online notarization allowed in the District of Columbia?
Yes. Remote online notarization in the District of Columbia: yes. The notary must be located in DC, verify identity and make an audio-visual recording.
Which law authorizes remote online notarization in the District of Columbia, and when did it take effect?
RON law and effective date in the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 1-1231.13a, effective September 21, 2022. Added by D.C. Law 24-178.
Where do the the District of Columbia notary requirements come from?
The rules above come from D.C. Code 1-1231.23, 17 DCMR 2425 and D.C. Code 1-1231.13a. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.
What this means in practice
A statutory fee limit is a ceiling on the notarial act itself. Travel fees, convenience charges, and technology fees for online sessions may be governed by separate rules or not regulated at all, so it helps to ask for the full price before the appointment.
Bring a current government-issued photo ID and leave the document unsigned until the notary is watching, unless the notary says otherwise. A notary generally cannot notarize a document in which they have a personal interest and cannot give legal advice about what the document means.
A document notarized remotely is usually accepted like one notarized in person, but the receiving party, such as a county recorder, title company, or foreign authority, may have its own requirements. Checking with the recipient before choosing an online session can avoid a rejected filing.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
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