Dist. of Columbia

Notary Public Handbook - IV How to Obtain a Commission
Notary Supplies

Notary Sealer and Seal:
A notary seal makes a raised impression in the paper; affixing or embossing the notary’s seal on a tangible record. The notary seal is the physical image affixed or embossed on the document. District of Columbia notaries public the seal and sealer to complete all notarial acts. Each notary public must furnish the notary sealer at his or her own expense. Be sure the sealer has the correct expiration date for your commission when you receive it. In the past, this has been call the embosser. The sealer is the equipment in which the seal is placed; these used to be called the embosser.

Information Required on Seal: § 1–1231.16
There are five critical thresholds that the embosser must meet:
A) The notary public's name, exactly stated on the commission;
(B) The words "District of Columbia";
(C) The commission expiration date; and
(D) Other information required by the Mayor;
No other language or description is allowed.

Inker:
A seal impression inker shall be used in conjunction with the official seal, making the impression legible, permanent, and photographically reproducible. The notary public must ink their raised sealer embossment, subsequent to its placement on a document, every time, no exceptions.

Journal: § 1–1231.18
DC law requires notaries to keep a journal of all notarial acts performed. A more detailed description of the requirements may be found in the Records section; most notaries use a logbook/journal, but you may use any official fair record that meets the requirements and you must bring this supply with you when you come in to take the oath. Previously this has been called a fair record or logbook.