FREE DC NOTARY Commission and Bond Rules Questions and Answers

Question 1

A person is applying for a 'Business Notary' commission in the District of Columbia. They live in Virginia but their primary place of employment is in DC. According to DC rules, what specific documentation is required from their employer?

Accepted Answer

A written request on official company letterhead with a physical DC address and phone number.

Answer

DC regulations require that an applicant for a business notary commission, who works but does not reside in DC, must submit a written request from their supervisor on official company letterhead. This letterhead must display a physical District of Columbia address and a DC phone number that matches the information on the application.

Question 2

A DC notary public legally changes their name. What is the first required action the notary must take regarding their commission?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) and their surety bond company.

Answer

When a DC notary's name legally changes, they are required to notify both the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) and the company that issued their surety bond. They must provide legal documentation of the name change and proof of notification to the bond company. Only after these steps can they purchase a new seal and provide an impression to ONCA.

Question 3

What is the mandatory surety bond amount required for most individuals applying for or renewing a five-year notary public commission in the District of Columbia?

Accepted Answer

$2,000

Answer

District of Columbia law requires that most notary applicants (Business, Residential, Dual, and Federal Government) secure a $2,000 surety bond for their five-year commission term. The primary exception is for notaries commissioned solely for D.C. government employment.

Question 4

A newly approved DC notary applicant has received their Appointment Notice. What must they do within 60 days of receiving this notice to avoid invalidating their commission?

Accepted Answer

Take the oath of office and file their bond with the ONCA.

Answer

After receiving the Appointment Notice, the applicant has 60 days to purchase their supplies, obtain the surety bond, and then appear at the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) to take the oath of office and file the bond. Failure to complete these steps within the 60-day timeframe will invalidate the commission, requiring the applicant to start the process over.

Question 5

Which of the following individuals is exempt from the requirement to obtain a surety bond for a DC notary commission?

Accepted Answer

An employee of the District of Columbia government.

Answer

While most commission types, including federal government employees, require a surety bond, individuals commissioned to perform notarial acts solely on behalf of a District of Columbia government agency are exempt from both the application fee and the surety bond requirement.

DC Notary - District of Columbia Notary Exam Practice Test

DC Notary - District of Columbia Notary Exam Practice Test

FREE DC NOTARY Commission and Bond Rules Questions and Answers