Rules for Power of Attorney

• Authenticating authority for DC documents

  TThe Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) handles all impersonation and authentication (apostille/certification) of DC-issued or notarized documents.

• Eligible POA / document types

  DC accepts documents notarized by a DC notary or certified by a DC department head — including POAs, court documents, public records, and official documents issued in DC.

• Originals or certified documents required — no plain photocopies

  Apostille/authentication will only be issued for original notarized documents or certified copies; photocopies or uncertified copies are not accepted.

• Federal documents and out-of-DC documents not eligible

  Documents issued by federal agencies, or notarized/issued in other states or jurisdictions, must be authenticated by their issuing state or by the U.S. Department of State — DC won’t process them.

• Fee per document

  The fee is $15 per document, payable by check, money order, or credit card (when in person), for DC apostille/authentication services.

• Submission methods (mail or in-person)

  You may mail your documents or submit in person; for mail-ins include the completed request form, payment, and a prepaid return envelope or shipping label.

• Authentication only verifies notary/official status — not document content

  The authentication certifies that the notary or department head is valid and authorized — it does not validate the actual contents, statements or legitimacy of the POA.