District of Columbia Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective February 28, 2023
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2022
- Statute
- D.C. Code § 1-1231.01 et seq.
- Bill Number
- B24-0529
District of Columbia RON Law Overview
Remote online notarization became permanently authorized in District of Columbia when the legislature passed legislation in 2022 (B24-0529) under D.C. Code § 1-1231.01 et seq.. The law took effect on February 28, 2023. District of Columbia's RON law allows commissioned notaries to use approved audio-video technology platforms to notarize documents for signers located anywhere, subject to compliance with identity verification protocols and electronic record-keeping requirements established by the statute.
Legal Citations
District of Columbia RON Requirements
District of Columbia requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. 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
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Not required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
District of Columbia generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in District of Columbia, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
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 § 1-1231.01 et seq.. 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 credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
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?
District of Columbia generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.