District of Columbia Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective September 21, 2022 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2022
- Statute
- D.C. Code § 1-1231.13a
- Bill Number
- B24-457 (D.C. Law 24-178, Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts Amendment Act of 2022)
District of Columbia RON Law Overview
The District of Columbia authorized remote online notarization in 2022 by B24-457 (D.C. Law 24-178, Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts Amendment Act of 2022), codified at D.C. Code § 1-1231.13a, effective September 21, 2022. The signer appears on a live audio-video call. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 10 years.
Key details for District of Columbia
Enacted by B24-457 (D.C. Law 24-178, Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts Amendment Act of 2022). Signer location: Anywhere; if outside the United States, the record must relate to a U.S./state matter or property/transaction and the act must not be prohibited by the foreign state. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
District of Columbia RON Requirements
District of Columbia requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Knowledge-based authentication may be used but is not strictly required. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 10 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 10 years
- Credential analysis
- Not required
- KBA required
- No
- Commissioned in state
- Not required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
The District of Columbia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (D.C. Code § 1-1231.10 (notarial act in another state)).
Online Notary Availability in District of Columbia
Notaron is available 24/7 across District of Columbia. See location-specific guides for major District of Columbia cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2022 under D.C. Code § 1-1231.13a. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for District of Columbia-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires identity verification for all remote online notarizations.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 10 years.
Does District of Columbia accept out-of-state RON?
The District of Columbia recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (D.C. Code § 1-1231.10 (notarial act in another state)).